English TV presenter and motor enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson appears to have joined Kenya’s Larry Madowo in his unbridled criticism of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after he also registered his displeasure at Kenya’s premiere Airport.
Clarkson, while reacting to a thread he instigated on X, hammered the JKIA, in a response to what his followers thought was the ‘stupidest airport in the world’.
According to Clarkson, the ‘stupidest airport in the world’ was in Madrid (Spain), but when a follower suggested Lagos, Nigeria, Clarkson had an immediate change of heart.
“Lagos, Nigeria, until you get stopped over 20 times between the door and your seat for no reason you can’t have a true appreciation for how terrible an airport can be!” the follower wrote.
Seeing that the conversation had crossed over to Africa, Clarkson sought to clarify matters – at least in his perspective – saying that the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was worse than the Lagos airport.
“OK. I’ll take Lagos but if we are in Africa, I’ll raise you Nairobi,” he wrote.
While some Kenyans appeared to agree with the motor expert, some found the comment rude and even racist, making sure to make their displeasure felt.
“Mr. Clarkson, it’s very mannerless of you to use such a massive platform to denigrate Kenya’s premier airport. Nothing is perfect. I’m sure a lot of European infrastructure is also dilapidated but you won’t hear African celebrities tweet about it…” one follower wrote.
Others, however, appeared to agree with the famed car enthusiast, saying that he had vindicated CNN journalist Larry Madowo’s constant reviews of JKIA.
“This tweet should be shown to Murkomen and Larry Madowo and let’s see what they both have to say to Jeremy Clarkson. Clearly, Madowo is not a lone ranger in the fight for a better JKIA. Looks like it’s a global nuisance!” Esther Gathoni wrote.
The JKIA has constantly been in the news for various negative reasons including regular blackouts that leave travelers in limbo.
Just a few days ago, a video emerged showing the flooded airport premises, cold storage areas, and leaks at Terminal 1C, including checking-in areas.
While speaking after touring the facility, Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that various repairs would be completed in a month.
“Part of the leakage is due to old infrastructure, including the roof you saw leaking recently on social media. The modern roof for Terminal 1B and 1C is under construction…It will be complete within one month,” said Murkomen.
