NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya Airways on Friday protested the detention of two of its employees by a military unit of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The employees were arrested last week and are still being detained.

"We are perturbed by this action targeting innocent staff and consider it harassment targeting Kenya Airways' business," the airline said in a statement.

The airline said the reason for the arrest by the military was missing customs documentation on valuable cargo to be transported on a flight on April 12.

However, Kenya Airways claims the cargo was never accepted for transport due to incomplete documentation.

On Wednesday, Kenya Airways filed an application in the Military Court for the two to be released unconditionally.

The court heard the matter and ordered the release of the employees, however, they are still being held by the military.

Kenya Airways has denied any wrongdoing saying it adheres to international best practices in handling and transporting cargo.

The airline noted it has stringent processes and compliance checks to ensure all cargo meets regulations.

Kenya Airways called for the immediate release of its employees and said it is working with the relevant government entities in both the Congo and Kenya to resolve the matter