A Freedom Airlines aircraft travelling from Kismayo to Nairobi was forced to return to Wajir Airport after developing a technical problem shortly after take-off on Monday.
Officials said the aircraft, piloted by Captain Feisal Abdi, arrived at Wajir Airport from Kismayo at about 1:23pm on September 7, 2026, carrying 33 people on board.
The report said security agencies at Wajir Airport screened the passengers and aircraft before the flight later departed for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at about 2:15pm.
However, the aircraft developed a technical problem while airborne, prompting the pilot to turn back to Wajir Airport for inspection and repairs.
The aircraft was subsequently cleared to continue its journey and departed Wajir at about 3:56pm.
By then, however, only 23 passengers were on board.
Thirteen passengers reportedly opted to remain in Wajir, citing fears about continuing the journey on the aircraft.
The incident report said the passengers’ passports were taken by immigration officers and that they were escorted to a hotel in Wajir town as they waited for the next available flight.
Officials did not specify the nature of the technical problem experienced by the aircraft or indicate whether any passenger or crew member was injured.
The incident comes amid heightened security and operational attention at airports serving northern Kenya and flights connecting the region with Somalia.
Authorities had earlier subjected the aircraft and passengers to security screening at Wajir Airport, with no prohibited items detected, according to the police report.
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