Passengers depart Mombasa 12 hours late after sudden SGR commuter train suspension

Passengers travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) were finally able to depart at 10 am on Monday, nearly 12 hours after Kenya Railways Corporation suspended the 10 pm Madaraka Express train on Sunday night.

The last-minute suspension triggered outrage among hundreds of stranded passengers at the Mombasa terminus.

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, other travellers from Kwale County had also missed the 3 pm train after a police roadblock was erected at the Dongo Kundu bypass.

Kenya Railways issued an update around 12.30 am on Monday, advising affected passengers to report to the Mombasa terminus by 8 am.

The state corporation attributed the disruption to a technical hitch.

“We have worked on a mechanism to transport all affected passengers, including those who missed the earlier train,” the agency stated, adding that tickets dated July 6 would remain valid.

Ms Wambui Gathu, who was scheduled to travel to Nairobi said she left Diani in Kwale County in the afternoon.

“I am nervous. I don’t know where to go from here. I’m stranded and very frustrated. The sad thing is that no communication was made,” Ms Wambui said at the terminus on Sunday night.

Another stranded passenger Emmanuel Koech criticised the abrupt decision calling it ill-advised and inconsiderate of the public’s welfare.

“Why are they scared? Why do they have to punish us like this? We are taxpayers and do not deserve this kind of treatment,” said Mr Koech.

Some passengers were forced to seek alternative transport by road as public service vehicles flocked to the terminus following news of the suspension.

Amid the confusion at the Mombasa SGR station Sunday night, access beyond the main entrance was restricted.

Several police vehicles carrying officers were seen entering the station, although their purpose remained unclear to the public.

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