Railway transport grounded as vandals make away with over 2km rails in Nakuru

Railway vandalism has hit Nakuru and its environs, with two kilometre rails and sleepers stolen.

The railway line, which led to the growth of Molo and Mau Summit towns has, due to vandalism, seen gradual encroachment by thick vegetation from both sides.

In some parts, the track has been converted into a road and covered with ballast, the heavy rails lying at the periphery, perhaps until the day they will be carted away by vandals or at best taken for safe custody by railways police officers.

“We used to walk along the rail during free time to enjoy fresh air within the forest. However, since the vandals started their activities there it has become a dangerous route. It is unsafe to walk through without company,” says Peter Mburu, a resident.

On January 17, police in Molo laid a trap for vandals who had vandalised and loaded railway metals worth Sh1.2 million into a lorry.

According to Railways Police Station OCPD Edwin Onguari, the suspects who were about to leave the scene took off on foot when they were busted by the officers, leaving behind the lorry.

“The suspects were more than 50 in number. When they saw the police they all vanished into Kibunja Forest. They had loaded tonnes of rails and sleepers onto the vehicle,” said Onguari.

In September last year, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) senior sergeant was arrested alongside a local chief after they allegedly vandalised railway line worth Sh2 million.

The officer identified as Joshua Kigen, attached to Lanet Barracks, and Solai Chief Josea Koima were accused of vandalising the railway line at Solai area, together with a number of locals who escaped police arrest.

Onguari told the press that the suspects had loaded the metals on a tractor ready for transportation when they were busted by the police.

The case is ongoing at the Nakuru law courts.