The removal of a few metres of copper wire could have serious consequences for an entire train service, Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has warned after a suspected vandal was arrested along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The suspect was apprehended at K375, between Sultan and Lesonkoyo SGR Passing Stations, after CCTV footage allegedly showed him interfering with copper earthing wires installed along the railway.
KRC said its security officers worked with police and members of the local community to track down and arrest the suspect, who is now being held as investigations continue.
“Swift action by Kenya Railways security teams, police officers and members of the surrounding community has led to the arrest of a suspected vandal at K375 between Sultan and Lesonkoyo SGR Passing Stations. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was vandalising copper earthing wires and may be linked to other similar incidents along the railway corridor. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations and further legal action continue,” KRC said on Saturday.
The Corporation said the investigation has raised the possibility that the man could be connected to other cases involving the destruction of railway equipment along the corridor.
KRC has also reminded the public that damaging railway infrastructure is not a minor offence, warning that those involved could face serious criminal charges.
“We wish to notify the public that vandalism of railway property is a crime punishable by law under Penal Code 233 (e) which states that: ‘Any person who, with intent to injure or to endanger the safety of any person travelling by any railway, whether a particular person or not, by any omission to do any act which it is his duty to do causes the safety of any such person to be endangered, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life,’” the Corporation added.
According to Kenya Railways, copper earthing wires and signalling cables form part of systems needed to support the safe movement of trains.
Cutting or removing the cables can interfere with electricity supply as well as automated communication and signalling systems. The resulting disruption could cause trains to brake without warning or lose guidance while in operation.
KRC further warned that interference with the railway systems could bring services to a stop and create traffic bottlenecks along the line.
In a worst-case situation, the Corporation said, a train could be forced to stop unexpectedly, increasing the danger of another train crashing into it at high speed and causing deaths or serious injuries.
“The safety of our passengers is paramount to us. Members of the public are encouraged to report any case of railway vandalism to law enforcement authorities or contact Kenya Railways via our hotline 0711 777 577,” KRC urged.
The latest arrest comes amid earlier warnings from Deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki over the destruction of railway infrastructure.
Two years ago, Kindiki, then serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, described attacks on railway facilities as acts of terrorism and warned that those involved would face tough action.
“Those citizens who are storming the railways and destroying railway infrastructure, I want you to know that act is terrorism. Those who are engaged in that activity are enemies of Kenya, just like terrorists. Any person found within the vicinity of a protected facility, including railway lines or critical water reservoirs, will be dealt with under the Protected Areas Act. It is the most serious and punitive law; it is the law that guards the State House,” Kindiki warned.