Tag: SGR news

Kenya Railways Suspends 10PM Madaraka Express, Leaving Mombasa Travelers Stranded

Posted on by Ozymandias

In an unexpected move, Kenya Railways has temporarily suspended the 10PM Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing unspecified technical issues. The abrupt disruption, which took effect on Saturday night, has left hundreds of travelers stranded, sparking frustration and confusion among affected passengers.

In an official statement released shortly after the cancellation, the corporation announced:

“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. Kenya Railways prioritizes the safety of our passengers. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Despite the apology, many travelers, particularly those who had pre-booked their tickets, were left in limbo—some forced to wait outside the SGR offices in Mombasa without any clear guidance or alternative arrangements.

Among the most affected were a group of young revelers returning from the 2025 Summer Tides Festival in Diani, who described being blocked from entering the SGR station even before the official communication was issued.

“We had just left Diani after an amazing weekend, only to be told last-minute that the train was canceled. There was no explanation and no backup plan,” one disappointed traveler told reporters.

The suspension has raised concerns over passenger communication protocols and crisis preparedness by Kenya Railways, especially given the reliability and popularity of the Madaraka Express, which has served as a major transportation link between Nairobi and Mombasa since its launch.

So far, no timeline has been given for the resumption of the 10PM service. Kenya Railways has, however, assured the public that teams are actively working to resolve the technical challenges affecting the night train.

Passengers are urged to monitor official Kenya Railways communication channels for updates and to explore alternative travel options in the meantime.

Designated survivor locked down, Ruto flown to all stations..How security prevented 1st and 2nd in succession line from traveling with Uhuru on same train

Posted on by Martin Oduor

The Kenyan constitution outlines two people to succeed the president in case he dies while he’s in power. The two people named in line of succession were to travel with President Uhuru in the same Madaraka Express train but security chiefs made sure they didn’t.

In case President Uhuru dies today, William Ruto automatically becomes president. And in the event that both Uhuru and Ruto die, then Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi becomes president.

And if Uhuru, Ruto and Muturi die at ago, then there will be chaos because the constitution is not clear on the line of succession in this event.

This is why security chiefs left nothing to chance when Uhuru, Ruto and Muturu were supposed to be in the same train travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi; they made sure the three were not on the same train.

Uhuru launches SGR project in Mombasa

The Standard reports that Justin Muturi was locked down in parliament building on Wednesday May 31st as he was preparing to leave Nairobi for Mombasa to join President Uhuru to ride the train to Nairobi.

“They told him there was no way he was going to ride that train. They also told him the only time he will leave his office was when his motorcade will be headed to Syokimau. He stayed at Syokimau for several hours waiting to welcome the President and his deputy aboard the train from Mombasa,” Sunday Standard quoted a source who told them about Muturi being locked down at parliament building.

Justine Muturi (right) welcomes Uhuru and Ruto at Syokimau station

Securing President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto while travelling on an unarmored train that passed through the jungle was a nightmare for security apparatus.

The Standard says Ruto was flown on one of the choppers that was shadowing the train Uhuru was traveling on, apparently the DP was dropped at every station; Mariakani, Voi, Emali, Mtito Andei at around the same the train arrived to join president Uhuru in inspecting the termini and addressing the public.

Also read: Air Force attack helicopters scrambled to protect president Uhuru during his entire ride on SGR train

Uhuru and Ruto address people at Athi River terminus

The only time Uhuru and Ruto rode on the same train was when the train arrived at Athi River terminus; they two Ruto rode together in the same wagon for a fairly short distance until the train arrived at Syokimau station where Justin Muturi was waiting for them.

DP Ruto takes selfies while riding on Madaraka Express train
Uhuru on SGR train
Uhuru and DP Ruto are welcomed to Syokimau station upon arrival

 

Air Force attack helicopters scrambled to protect president Uhuru during his entire ride on SGR train (Video)

Posted on by Martin Oduor

President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the first Kenyans on the maiden SGR train trip from Miritini station in Mombasa to Syokimau station in Nairobi.

The Madaraka Express train traveled for 7 hours from Mombasa to Nairobi making several stops at various stations along the way.

So how was the president protected given that the train passed through jungles and thicket where everything posed a threat to his security?

No stone was left unturned during the president’s trip, all the armed forces of Kenya; Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Police, Administration Police, Kenya Wildlife Services, Kenyan Prisons and Kenya Forest Service were tasked with protecting Uhuru during his trip.

Both military attack helicopters and police choppers were scrambled to protect president Uhuru from the air. The six termini along the SGR route were also under heavy security.

Watch the video below to see how Uhuru was protected by choppers during his trip:

Chinese lovers celebrate completion of Standard Gauge Railway with mass wedding at Nairobi terminus (Photos)

Posted on by Martin Oduor

Mombasa – Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is complete only waiting for President Uhuru to commission it. Chinese lovers were quick to exchange vows at the Nairobi terminus before it opens its doors to the public in a few days’ time.

Kenyans who work for the China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) – the contractor of the SGR, were the main guests who witnessed Chinese wedding of four couples who also work for the SGR project.

The ceremony which was conducted according to Chinese traditions brought business to a standstill at the Nairobi terminus on Saturday May 20th.

The wedding started with the grooms kneeling down and presenting flowers to their brides. The couples were then declared as man and wife before they uncorked champagne and gave short speeches as in a typical modern Chinese wedding.

The ceremony at Nairobi terminus was brief, guests (SGR workers) were treated to a luncheon at SGR Camp 8 where people ate and drank to their fill.