Aasai

Belgut Member of Parliament, Nelson Koech, has made claims regarding the sudden suspension of the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express train service from Mombasa to Nairobi. According to him, the night train was halted due to intelligence reports indicating a credible threat to passenger safety. The intelligence, he said, pointed to a plot by unidentified individuals to launch an attack on the train, particularly targeting the youth onboard, and then shift the blame onto the government.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, MP Koech alleged that a certain group had planned to cause harm to the young travelers on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and use the incident to paint the government in a negative light. He emphasized that the intelligence information was serious enough to warrant immediate action and that security agencies were working to avert a potential crisis.

In response to the incident, Kenya Railways issued an official statement on Sunday evening, informing the public that the night train service had been temporarily suspended. The corporation, however, cited "technical issues" as the reason for the cancellation. While the specific nature of these issues was not disclosed, the statement assured the public that passenger safety remains a top priority and the decision was taken purely out of caution.

Kenya Railways further extended an apology to travelers who were affected by the abrupt cancellation and promised to offer updates in due course. Passengers who had already booked the night journey were advised to present themselves at the Mombasa terminus by 8:00 AM on Monday for alternative travel arrangements. This guidance came as efforts were being made to manage the unexpected disruption to services.

The train suspension came amid heightened tensions in the country, particularly due to large youth movements returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival. In response, security officers established roadblocks along key roads such as the Mombasa-Diani route. These roadblocks primarily targeted vehicles ferrying young people, many of whom were reportedly chanting "Wantam," a slogan believed to be associated with ongoing protest movements.

Authorities revealed that the roadblocks were part of a security operation prompted by intelligence reports indicating that some of the youths intended to travel to Nairobi to participate in the Saba Saba commemoration. The annual event has gained significance as a day of political protest and remembrance in Kenya, and this year’s buildup appeared to be marked by increased government scrutiny.

As of Monday morning, roadblocks remained in place across major entry points into Nairobi and its outskirts. The security measures, although designed to maintain public order, led to significant disruptions. Numerous commuters were forced to abandon public transport and walk long distances to reach their workplaces due to the congestion and delays caused by the checks.

In conclusion, while the government has maintained that the train suspension was due to technical reasons, MP Koech’s claims suggest a deeper security concern. The situation underscores the tension between ensuring national security and upholding the freedom of movement and assembly, especially during politically sensitive periods like the Saba Saba commemoration.