Veteran lawyer Paul Muite and his family are demanding more than KSh3 million from Kenya Airways over a cancelled flight that allegedly left them stranded in Zanzibar for several hours.

In a demand letter dated September 7, Muite’s lawyers accused the airline of breaching its obligations after Flight KQ491, which was scheduled to fly from Zanzibar to Nairobi on August 31, was cancelled amid an aviation workers’ strike.

Muite travelled with his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren. The family claims they were forced to wait for approximately seven and a half hours without receiving adequate assistance from the airline.

Family hires private charter to Nairobi

According to the demand letter, the family eventually hired a private charter to return to Nairobi after the prolonged delay.

The charter reportedly cost USD20,500, approximately KSh2.65 million, while the family incurred a further KSh52,650 in related expenses.

The family is also demanding KSh298,225 as a refund for the unused portion of their return air tickets.

Muite’s lawyers argue that the expenses arose directly from the cancellation and the family’s need to find alternative transport to Nairobi.

Family claims missed meetings

The lawyers further said the disruption had additional consequences, claiming that the family arrived in Nairobi a day later than planned and consequently missed scheduled meetings.

The demand places the total compensation being sought from Kenya Airways at more than KSh3 million, including the cost of the charter, related expenses and the refund for the unused tickets.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of disruptions caused by the aviation workers’ strike, which affected flight operations and stranded passengers at various points.

Kenya Airways has yet to publicly respond to the specific compensation claims outlined in Muite’s demand letter.