Since Mageia 5 there are two ways of using kismet, the second is recommended.

1. Using kismet server as root

   The root user will be able to run kismet server and to capture packets,
   this should only be used with caution.

2. Using kismet server and allowing non-root users to capture packets

   Members of the kismet group will be able to capture packets on network 
   interfaces by means of the kismet server running the kismet_capture binary
   on behalf of the user. This is the preferred way of installation if kismet
   will be used for capturing and displaying packets at the same time, since
   that way only the kismet_capture process has to be run with elevated priviledges 
   thanks to the priviledge separation [1].

   Note that no user will be added to group kismet automatically, the 
   system administrator has to add them manually.

  [1] http://www.kismetwireless.net/documentation.shtml (4. Suidroot & Security)