The abrupt suspension of the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi on Sunday was not due to technical issues, as officially stated, according to Belgut MP Nelson Koech, a close ally of President William Ruto.
Koech has claimed that the suspension of the train was prompted by a credible security threat.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Koech revealed that intelligence reports had flagged a planned attack on passengers aboard the night train, with the intention of blaming the government.
According to him, youth and other passengers were going to be attacked, and the blame pinned on the government and connected to the saba saba demonstrations.
“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,” the legislator said.
Also Read: Murkomen Reveals List of Goons Expected to Cause Chaos During Saba Saba
What did Kenya Railways Say?
Kenya Railways had earlier issued a brief public notice citing technical issues as the reason for the cancellation.
The corporation apologized for the inconvenience but did not elaborate on the nature of the issue
“We regret to notify members of the public that due to technical issues, the Madaraka Express 10 PM passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi has been suspended,” a statement from Kenya Railways read in part.
However, the suspension coincided with police operation along the Mombasa-Diani Road, where roadblocks were mounted targeting youth returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival.
The crackdown has caused traffic snarl up along the route.
On the other hand, passengers affected by the train cancellation were later advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus by 8:00 AM on Monday, July 7, for alternative travel arrangements.
Also Read: Armed Goons Attack KHRC Offices Ahead of Saba Saba Protests
Nelson Koech on Destruction During Saba Saba
At the same time, the MP warned of destruction during the demonstrations, saying that earlier protests that took place on June 25 affected the business ecosystem in the country.
He said that some Kenyans will not be able to get home safely from work because of the expected violence.
“The June 25th demonstrations affected businesses. Police officers were assaulted, and many Kenyans were hurt, injured, or lost their lives. What are the Saba Saba protests about?
“Unfortunately, some people might not reach work today,” he added.
Meanwhile, long-distance buses bound for Nairobi CBD remained stranded at Kabete Police Station after being blocked from entering the city.
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