Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has called out Uhuru Kenyatta’s government for mismanaging Kenya Airways (KQ).

Gachagua noted that state capture is why KQ suffers from all its financial crises.

“I must be very honest to tell you that we have very serious challenges with KQ. KQ is hardly able to meet its operating expenses,” he stated.

Speaking at a meeting with Kenyans living in Botswana, he added that the contract signed by some former government members and KQ would be tough to come out of, leaving the airline at the mercy of state capture agents.

However, he noted that the government is well in control of the matter, promising Kenyans in Botswana the resumption of KQ services once the financial crisis at the national carrier is dealt with.

“The government is well seized of the matter. Shortly KQ will be back on track,” he added.

The firm blamed high worldwide fuel prices and a volatile foreign exchange market for the national carrier's deepening losses during the fiscal year that ended in 2022.

According to KQ's financial statement for the period under consideration, the airline's losses increased significantly compared to last year's losses.