Kenya Railways Warns Against Vandalism After SGR Suspect Arrest

Kenya Railways has warned members of the public against vandalism of railway infrastructure after the arrest of a suspected vandal along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor. 

In a statement on Saturday, September 5, Kenya Railways said the suspect was apprehended at K375, between Sultan and Lesonkoyo SGR Passing Stations, following a joint effort involving railway security teams, police officers and members of the surrounding community.

The arrest followed the detection of an intrusion through CCTV surveillance.

Kenya Railways said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was vandalising copper earthing wires and could be connected to other similar incidents reported along the railway corridor.

"Swift action by Kenya Railways security teams, police officers and members of the surrounding community has led to the arrest of a suspected vandal at K375 between Sultan and Lesonkoyo SGR Passing Stations.

"The suspect was arrested after CCTV footage detected an intrusion. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was vandalising copper earthing wires and may be linked to other similar incidents along the railway corridor," the statement read. 

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue and further legal action is pursued.

Kenya Railways has reminded the public that tampering with railway infrastructure is a criminal offence, warning that such acts can endanger the safety of passengers and other railway users.

"We wish to notify the public that vandalism of railway property is a crime punishable by law under Penal Code 233 (e) which states that: Any person who, with intent to injure or to endanger the safety of any person travelling by any railway, whether a particular person or not -  by any omission to do any act which it is his duty to do causes the safety of any such person to be endangered, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life," the statement added.

The railway operator reiterated that passenger safety remains its priority and urged members of the public to report suspected cases of vandalism to the relevant authorities or directly to Kenya Railways.

"The safety of our passengers is paramount to us. Members of the public are encouraged to report any case of railway vandalism to law enforcement authorities or contact Kenya Railways via our hotline 0711 777 577," the statement concluded.

This comes weeks after Kenya Railways warned members of the public against falling victim to fake Madaraka Express ticket booking schemes after six suspects were arrested over an alleged fraud operation.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 14, the corporation said the arrests followed investigations into fraudulent online booking platforms and individuals posing as Kenya Railways officials to swindle unsuspecting passengers.

"Kenya Railways wishes to inform the public that six suspects have been arrested in connection with an alleged fake Madaraka Express ticket booking scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public.

"The arrests followed investigations into fraudulent online booking platforms and individuals impersonating the Corporation to defraud members of the public," the statement read.

Kenya Railways said investigations into the ticket fraud network are still underway and affirmed that it will continue collaborating with relevant investigative agencies to identify and prosecute all those involved.

"Investigations are ongoing, and Kenya Railways will continue working with the relevant investigative agencies to pursue all persons involved and ensure they are brought to account," the statement added.

The corporation also appealed to members of the public to report any cases of fraud or suspicious activities linked to Madaraka Express ticket bookings.

"The Corporation urges members of the public to continue reporting cases of fraud or suspicious activities relating to Madaraka Express ticket bookings. Anyone who has been defrauded or has information that may assist the ongoing investigations is encouraged to report to Kenya Railways," the statement further read.

Kenya Railways further advised passengers to remain vigilant and ensure they only purchase Madaraka Express tickets through its official booking channels, including its online platform, USSD service and designated passenger stations.

"Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and book Madaraka Express tickets only through the official Kenya Railways booking channels; online: metickets.krc.co.ke; USSD: dial *639#; physical booking: Madaraka Express Passenger Service stations," the statement concluded.