A suspect has been arrested in Kibini area, Kajiado County, for allegedly transporting stolen Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) construction materials. The arrest, made on Thursday, July 17, followed a coordinated operation by officers from the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and Sultan Hamud Police Post after receiving a credible tip-off.
According to a statement issued by the National Police Service (NPS), the lorry was intercepted while ferrying a large quantity of stolen materials, including 61 railway sleepers and 60 rail bars, believed to have been vandalised from the railway line.
“Today, 17 July 2025 – Officers from the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU), working collaboratively with colleagues from the Sultan Hamud Police Post, acted on a tip-off and intercepted a lorry suspected of transporting stolen railway materials in the Kibini area,” read the statement from NPS.
Upon inspection at the Sultan Hamud Police Post, the vehicle was found loaded with the stolen components, raising serious concerns about increasing cases of infrastructure vandalism.
The NPS confirmed that investigations have commenced to determine the source of the materials and whether additional suspects are involved. The arrested individual is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court.
“NPS commends the officers for their swift action and reiterates its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and bringing vandals to justice,” the police statement added.
Kenya’s railway infrastructure, especially the SGR which connects major economic hubs including Nairobi and Mombasa, is considered a vital national asset. Authorities have repeatedly warned that acts of vandalism targeting such infrastructure will not be tolerated.
In fact, the law treats the vandalism of railway property as a felony, punishable by life imprisonment. During his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki even declared such acts as forms of economic sabotage and terrorism.
In December 2024, Kenya Railways Corporation issued a stern warning to the public, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and refrain from damaging railway infrastructure.
“We wish to notify the public that vandalism of railway property is a crime punishable by law. The safety of our passengers is of paramount importance to us,” the Corporation noted in a public statement at the time.
Thursday’s arrest adds to growing concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the country. The swift action by law enforcement has been praised, but it also highlights the ongoing need for public vigilance and collaboration with authorities to protect national assets.
The National Police Service has pledged to keep the public updated as investigations into the incident progress.
