- The 10 PM Madaraka Express from Mombasa to Nairobi was halted on July 6 due to a technical problem.
- Kenya Railways has assured passengers of rescheduled transport at 8:00 AM, July 7.
- Affected tickets remain valid; passengers are urged to report to Mombasa Terminus.
- Some Kenyans suspect intentional disruption to block travel to Saba Saba protests.
- Kenya Railways insists the cause was purely technical and safety-driven.
Kenya Railways has broken its silence after Sunday night’s unexpected halt of the 10 PM Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi. The delay left hundreds of travellers stranded, with many voicing frustrations as speculation mounted over possible political interference.
According to the official statement, the cause of the disruption was a technical failure, not linked to any planned operations or security response.
In a follow-up notice, Kenya Railways directed all affected passengers to report to Mombasa Terminus by 8:00 AM on July 7, reassuring them that their July 6 tickets would remain valid for the next available trip.
“We’re committed to ensuring all passengers get to their destination safely,” the notice read.
Passengers were also urged to follow updates via official Kenya Railways platforms as the situation continues to stabilise.
The breakdown has raised eyebrows among Kenyans online, particularly given its timing just hours before the Saba Saba protests. Many passengers on the affected train had attended the Summer Tides Festival in Diani and were believed to be heading to Nairobi for Monday’s planned demonstrations.
Some commuters accused the government of attempting to block or delay protestors from reaching the capital, though no formal evidence has been presented to support this claim.
KR Apologises, Cites Passenger Safety
Kenya Railways moved to quell the growing suspicion, stating that the issue had nothing to do with politics or planned protests. The management emphasised that passenger safety remains the company’s top concern and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
“This incident was purely technical. We deeply regret the trouble caused to our customers and thank them for their understanding,” the statement concluded.
The SGR breakdown has added to public tension just as security in Nairobi intensifies ahead of the 35th Saba Saba anniversary, a day already marred by roadblocks, school closures, and suspended transport.
With Kenya Railways now working to restore normal operations, all eyes remain fixed on how events unfold throughout the day.
