Kenya Railways has stepped up its warning against vandalism along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) after security officers arrested a man suspected of interfering with railway equipment.
The suspect was arrested at K375, between the Sultan Hamud and Lesonkoyo SGR Passing Stations, after an unauthorised entry into the railway corridor was detected through the railway’s CCTV surveillance system.
Kenya Railways said its security officers, police and members of the surrounding community worked together to apprehend the suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the man was tampering with copper earthing wires installed along the railway line.
The suspect is being held by police as investigations continue. Authorities are also looking into whether he may be linked to other cases of vandalism reported along the railway corridor.
Kenya Railways has informed the general public that tampering with railway infrastructure is illegal and poses dangers to the lives of people traveling via railways.
The firm pointed out Section 233(e) of the Penal Code that provides for stringent penalties if someone engages in acts or failures to do something that may put the lives of people traveling by rail at risk.
It has now emerged that there is a need for increased protection of the railway infrastructure with Kenya Railways requesting the general public to alert them of any possible vandalizing.
Kenya Railways said the information provided by communities residing in the areas close to railway lines will help them react immediately when any suspicious activity is witnessed.
This arrest came after the detention of six persons by Kenya Railways earlier this month in July due to their alleged fraud on Madaraka Express tickets. The six individuals have been accused of using fraudulent websites to impersonate Kenya Railways and make financial gains through the process.
Anyone witnessing any case of vandalism or fraud regarding Kenya Railways should inform the law enforcement agency.
