A wave of public outrage swept across the country on Sunday after Kenya Railways suspended the 10pm Madaraka Express from Mombasa to Nairobi, sparking accusations of political interference in the wake of planned Saba Saba demonstrations. The abrupt cancellation left scores of commuters stranded, many of them young Kenyans reportedly heading to Nairobi to participate in the protests.
According to a statement issued early Sunday, affected passengers holding tickets for the July 6 trip were advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus by 8:00 am the following day for an “alternative means of travel.” While Kenya Railways cited technical issues for the disruption, the timing of the suspension raised eyebrows and drew strong reactions across social media platforms, with users alleging an orchestrated effort to stifle civic participation.
Fueling these concerns, activist and Vocal Africa founder Hussein Khalid reported that police officers blocked dozens of youth at the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Likoni as they attempted to access the 2pm SGR service. These youths were returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani and had intended to travel back to Nairobi in time for the demonstrations. Khalid alleged that the officers acted “on orders from above,” warning that the travelers could pose a threat if allowed to proceed.
Kenya Railways has since promised a resolution, stating that all affected passengers will be transported through alternative arrangements, with July 6 tickets remaining valid for boarding on July 7. Still, the damage appears to be done, with critics accusing the state of weaponizing infrastructure to suppress dissent.
As the country grapples with a renewed push for civil liberties and democratic expression, the SGR saga serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly blurred lines between public service and political maneuvering.
