Kenya Railways has clarified that a “technical hitch” was behind the abrupt suspension of its 10 p.m. Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi on Sunday night, amid rising questions over whether the disruption was linked to mounting tensions surrounding the Saba Saba protests.
In a public statement issued July 7, the state corporation said it was working tirelessly to resolve the issue and assured passengers affected by the July 6 cancellation that they would be accommodated on a special morning service.
“All affected passengers are advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus on July 7, 2025 by 8 a.m. for travel. Tickets dated July 6 will be deemed valid for boarding,” Kenya Railways said.
The apology and follow-up measures came hours after growing speculation that the suspension may have had less to do with mechanical failures and more to do with rising political unease.
Kenya Railways Explanation
“The train suspension was due to a technical hitch, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” the agency said, reiterating its commitment to safety and comfort.
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Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations mark an important moment of civic action led largely by Gen Z activists demanding accountability, economic reforms, and social justice.
With heightened security alerts and transport restrictions, concerns have mounted over the use of state machinery to suppress turnout.
On Sunday, human rights activist Hussein Khalid reported that hundreds of young people returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival were stopped at the Dongo-Kundu bypass near Likoni.
According to Khalid, authorities expressed concern the youth intended to join anti-government protests planned for Monday in Nairobi.
The group had initially been scheduled to board a 2 p.m. SGR train to Nairobi but were allegedly blocked from accessing the terminal, sparking further criticism online and calls for transparency from state agencies.
Kenya Railways has not commented on the Dongo-Kundu incident but reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its top priority.
Security Measures
Passengers or members of the public seeking assistance were urged to contact Kenya Railways via its official hotlines or email.
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Authorities reportedly said to have acted on intelligence indicating that some of the youths in the vehicles several of whom were reportedly chanting “Wantam” intended to travel to Nairobi for the Saba Saba commemorations scheduled for Monday.
Although no official arrests had been made by press time, police defended the roadblocks and inspections as precautionary steps aimed at safeguarding public order ahead of the politically charged day.
The Diani Summer Tide Festival, a popular annual event held along the coast, had attracted hundreds of young revellers throughout the weekend.
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