KENYA RAILWAYS OFFERS ALTERNATIVE MEANS FOR PASSANGERS STRANDED IN MOMBASA

Kenya Railways has offered an alternative mode of transport for passengers stranded following the suspension of the 10.00pm Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi on Sunday. In a statement issued on Sunday morning, affected passengers with tickets for the July 6 journey were advised to report to Mombasa terminus by 8.00 am on Monday, July 7, to access the alternative travel arrangement. The exact nature of the alternative transport was not disclosed. The popular SGR train remains out of service due to ongoing technical issues that prompted the initial suspension. Kenya Railways stated that efforts are underway to resolve the problem.

 The suspended 10.00 pm train service triggered public outcry, with many Kenyans on social media accusing authorities of intentionally obstructing travel to prevent Nairobi residents from participating in the planned Saba Saba demonstrations. Kenya Railways, however, emphasized that the suspension was solely for the safety and wellbeing of its passengers. With heightened security alerts and transport restrictions, concerns have mounted over the use of state machinery to suppress turnout.

 Earlier on Sunday, another group of commuters scheduled to take the 2.00pm SGR train from Mombasa were blocked by police officers at the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Likoni. Activists and Vocal Africa founder Hussein Khalid stated that the youths returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani were stopped from proceeding based on “orders from above”.