Belgut MP Nelson Koech at a past function in the area. Photo: Nelson Koech Facebook.
Belgut legislator Nelson Belgut has alleged that the temporary suspension of the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express passenger train service from Mombasa to Nairobi by Kenya Railways on Sunday was prompted by an attack threat.
Speaking during a morning televised show on Monday 7, Koech, chairperson Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly revealed that intelligence reports indicated that there was a plan to attack passengers aboard the night train along the busy Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route.
“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 said.
His remarks contradicting earlier reports by Kenya Railways, which indicated that the midnight train Madaraka express from Mombasa to Nairobi scheduled for 10pm, had developed technical issues and was suspended.
“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,” Kenya Railways statement read.
The authority further expressed its regrets for any missteps caused to passengers following the suspension, assuring them the issue was being worked on by their technical team.
However, early Monday morning the Authority released a statement indicating that the hitch had been sorted, and passengers can use their earlier booked tickets to travel.
The suspension was effected as police barricaded the road at Dongo-Kundu in Mombasa, blocking youths who had traveled to Diani in Kilifi County for the Summer Tides annual festivals.
The irate youths had been blocked by authorities, following intel that they were travelling to attend Saba Saba anniversary in Nairobi, the youths who burst into ‘Wantam’ rants, accusing the government for inconveniencing them.
In Nairobi, major roads leading to Nairobi CBD were blocked at main entry points, as police heightened security at key points including State House Road, Parliament Road, Thika Road Super Highway, among other key roads in the county.
