What Triggered the Suspension of the Madaraka Express?
Belgut MP Nelson Koech has claimed that the cancellation of Sunday’s 10:00 PM Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi was due to an intelligence alert on a planned attack. Speaking on Citizen TV, Koech stated, “There was intelligence that there was a team of people who wanted to attack the train and the young people in it and blame it on the government.”
Kenya Railways, however, issued a statement citing “technical issues” as the reason for the abrupt suspension. “We regret to notify members of the public that due to technical issues, the Madaraka Express 10 PM passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi has been suspended,” the statement read. The agency emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority and apologized for the inconvenience caused. Passengers were advised to report to the Mombasa terminus by 8:00 AM Monday for alternative arrangements.
Were the Roadblocks in Mombasa Connected?
The train cancellation coincided with heightened security operations along the Mombasa-Diani Road. Police set up roadblocks on Sunday, targeting youth returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival. Many of them were reportedly chanting “Wantam,” a slogan associated with current youth-led protests.
Authorities suspect that some of the festival attendees intended to travel to Nairobi to participate in the Saba Saba demonstrations scheduled for Monday. The increased security presence caused major traffic delays, sparking public frustration.
How Has Nairobi Been Affected?
By Monday morning, several roadblocks remained active in and around Nairobi. Many commuters had to walk long distances to reach their destinations due to blocked roads and restricted transport. The heavy security presence and travel disruptions added to the tensions already building around the Saba Saba commemorations.
While Kenya Railways has not officially linked the train cancellation to security threats, MP Koech’s remarks have stirred public interest and concern over possible covert reasons behind the disruption.
By Risper Akinyi
