Police launch probe after passenger train pelted with stones in Kisumu

A multi-agency security team on Friday held meetings with locals living along the Kenya Railways line from Muhoroni to Kisumu in the wake of incidents where suspected hooligans have been pelting the passenger train with stones.

Led by the Kenya Railways and Ports Police Commandant Patrick Tito and Head of DCI Ports and Railway John Muinde, the team sent out a stern warning that such acts shall not be tolerated.

Mr. Tito said they have crucial leads about the suspects’ whereabouts, adding that the public must also work closely with them to ensure they are brought to book.

He said police have ruled out any involvement of Kenya Railways passenger train competitors in the transport sector as earlier presumed, terming the act as blatant hooliganism.

The police boss also noted that the incidents have happened thrice in Kibigori and Kandege areas in Muhoroni where the train windows were shattered.

He said the destruction of railway infrastructure is punishable by law and one can be sentenced to death, adding that the community must be ready to help guard the line which has given travel reprieve to many.

Locals who attended the forum, led by Frederick Odhiambo, called on the community along the railway line to be tolerant and jealously guard the line which was refurbished after years of neglect.