Kenya Railways has suspended the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express passenger service from Mombasa to Nairobi following a technical issue, citing passenger safety as the overriding concern.
In a public notice issued on Sunday evening, the national railway operator confirmed the temporary halt of operations on the night train that services the busy Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route.
“We regret to notify members of the public that due to technical issues, the Madaraka Express 10:00 PM passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi has been suspended,” read the statement signed by the Managing Director.
SAFETY FIRST: RAILWAYS ASSURES PUBLIC
Kenya Railways emphasized that the move was made out of an abundance of caution, reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing the safety of commuters.
While specific details about the nature of the technical problem remain undisclosed, the corporation encouraged affected travellers to monitor updates via official communication channels, as engineers work to resolve the issue.
TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK AS SECURITY TIGHTENS AHEAD OF SABA SABA
The train suspension comes amid growing travel disruptions across the country, as authorities intensify security measures ahead of the July 7 Saba Saba Day protests.
On Saturday afternoon, massive traffic congestion was reported along the Mombasa-Diani Road, near the Dongo Kundu Bypass, after police erected roadblocks targeting youth returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival.
Motorists heading to Nairobi via the SGR experienced long delays, with many missing the 3:00 PM train due to the crackdown.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of heavy police presence and vehicle inspections, where officers conducted thorough searches on cars suspected to be ferrying festival-goers intending to travel to the capital for political demonstrations.
Many of the youth were allegedly chanting “Wantam” — a popular Gen Z slogan associated with the protests — raising concerns about potential mobilization.
POLICE: “SECURITY CHECKS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY”
Although no official arrests were confirmed, police stated the operation was based on intelligence reports suggesting some of the festival returnees were planning to participate in the upcoming Saba Saba commemorations in Nairobi.
Authorities defended the delays, noting that ensuring public safety during politically sensitive periods remains a top priority.
DIANI FESTIVAL ENDS ON A TENSE NOTE
The Diani Summer Tide Festival, an annual beachside event attracting hundreds of revellers, concluded on Saturday. However, its aftermath sparked logistical chaos as security operations intensified in the coastal region.
With Saba Saba commemorations set to take place Monday, travel and security operations across the country are expected to remain heightened.
