Editor's Review

Belgut MP Nelson Koech has claimed that the 10PM Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi was suspended due to an alleged planned attack.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech has claimed that the suspension of the 10PM Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi was informed by intelligence reports about an alleged planned attack.

Speaking on Monday, July 7, the MP claimed that a group of people had planned to attack the train and blame the government.

“What I got is that, even with the technical hitch, there was intelligence that there was a team of people who had wanted to attack the train and young people, and blame the government,” he said.

On Sunday, July 6, hundreds of Kenyans who had booked the train were left stranded after the railway operator announced its suspension.

The passengers took to social media to express their anger at the Kenya Railways’ decision.

The suspension came hours after other passengers travelling from Kwale County missed the 2PM train due to a police roadblock at the Dongo Kundu bypass.

File image of Belgut MP Nelson Koech

Kenya Railways was forced to issue a statement claiming that the suspension of the train was caused by technical issues.

"We regret to notify members of the public that due to technical issues, the Madaraka Express 10PM passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi has been suspended,” the statement read.

The service provider issued a subsequent statement announcing new travel arrangements for passengers who were stranded following the cancellation of the night train. 

Kenya Railways advised affected passengers to arrive at the Mombasa Terminus by 8:00 am to travel.

The railway operator noted that tickets dated July 6 will be valid for boarding the train.

“In the meantime, we have worked on a mechanism to transport all affected passengers, including those who missed the earlier train.

"The affected passengers are therefore advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus on 7th July 2025 by 8 am for travel. Tickets dated 6th July 2025 will be deemed valid for boarding and travel,” read part of the statement.