Kenya Railways on Thursday, July 13, suspended train services along the Syokimau and Lukenya route following two incidents where unknown goons attacked trains, endangering the lives of passengers.
The corporation revealed on Thursday that at around 11:00 am, a group of rowdy youths attacked a train carrying 520 pupils on the route at Mukuru kwa Njenga.
The gang pelted the train with stones and barricaded the tracks, putting the lives of the people onboard in danger.
Another incident happened on Wednesday, July 12, at 6:00 pm where the attackers targeted a Lukenya-bound train.
Kenya Railways did not disclose whether the pupils onboard were injured during the morning incident.
"We wish to inform our customers and the general public that we have suspended train services along the Syokimau and Lukenya route.
"This is due to the volatile security situation arising from consistent attacks on our trains passing through Mukuru kwa Njenga, by rowdy individuals who are barricading rail tracks and stoning the train," the statement read in part.
"We highlight two incidents where, yesterday evening, the Lukenya bound train was attacked at 6:00 pm, and this morning, a train carrying 520 pupils was attacked at 11:00 am. We wish to reiterate that the safety of our passengers remains paramount to us."
Kenya Railways confirmed that an official statement would be released once normal services resumed.
"We sincerely apologize to all our esteemed customers for the inconvenience caused," KR added.
Transport services across the country were disrupted on Wednesday, July 12, as matatu operators withdrew their vehicles from the designated stages owing to the mandatory retesting of drivers.
This led to thousands of passengers seeking alternative means such as train services to commute to and fro work.
