Activist and Vocal Africa founder Hussein Khalid described the scene as intentional suppression of dissent.
“They were to catch the 2pm SGR to Nairobi, but they have been stopped by police who are saying if allowed to proceed, the youth will go to Nairobi and attend Saba Saba protests,” Khalid stated.
The situation worsened when passengers attempting to catch the earlier train were blocked by police at the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Likoni. Many of them were youths returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani.
Orders from Above”: Police Stop Festival-Goers Over Saba Saba Fears
“Others were heading back to the Nairobi terminus when they were blocked by officers under ‘orders from above’,” Khalid added.
“Affected passengers are advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus on July 7, 2025, by 8am for travel,” the notice read.
“Tickets dated July 6, 2025, will be deemed valid for boarding and travel.”
Although the exact nature of the alternative transport was not disclosed, the authority emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue.
“We have worked on a mechanism to transport all affected passengers, including those who missed the earlier train,” the statement assured.
Kenya Railways Rushes Rescue as Mombasa-Nairobi Train Halt Sparks Protest Claims
Still, critics argue the timing of the suspension was no coincidence. With protests set to ignite in the capital, the halt in transport appears, to many, a deliberate move to stifle citizen participation.
