Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has claimed that the abrupt suspension of the Madaraka Express 10:00 PM train service from Mombasa to Nairobi on Sunday night was triggered by an alleged plan to attack passengers aboard the train.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Koech stated that intelligence reports pointed to a plot targeting the night train along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). According to him, the attackers intended to harm passengers, particularly youth, and frame the incident as government-instigated violence.
“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,” Koech alleged.
Kenya Railways, however, cited unspecified technical issues in a public notice issued Sunday, stating that the suspension was made “out of an abundance of caution” and reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety.
The corporation apologized for the inconvenience but did not clarify the technical issue or provide a timeline for resumption. Affected travelers were instructed to report to the Mombasa terminus by 8:00 AM on Monday for alternative arrangements.
The cancellation came amid heightened security operations across the coast and Nairobi regions. On Sunday, police erected roadblocks along the Mombasa-Diani Road, targeting youth returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival.
Witnesses reported lengthy traffic jams and said some passengers were chanting “Wantam,” a slogan associated with recent youth mobilizations.
Security agencies are said to have been acting on intelligence suggesting that some of the youths were headed to Nairobi to participate in the politically sensitive Saba Saba commemoration set for Monday.
By Monday morning, roadblocks had also been set up around Nairobi, forcing many commuters to walk long distances to reach workplaces.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm MP Koech’s claims regarding the alleged plot, but the incident has added to growing public concern over civil liberties, surveillance, and state preparedness amid rising political tensions.
Written By Rodney Mbua
