Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the vandalism of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) structures in Makindu, Makueni County.
The arrest followed an operation conducted on Friday, August 22 by officers from Makindu Railways Police Station, under the Mtito Andei Railways Police Sub-County.
The operation was triggered by a report from a Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) train driver who spotted two men vandalising the outer perimeter of the SGR near Kiboko.
Upon reaching the scene, police discovered that more than ten concrete poles had been smashed and metal rods stolen. Officers later traced one of the suspects to his home, where sections of the stolen rods were recovered. He was immediately placed under arrest.
His accomplice, however, managed to escape, and police say efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
In a statement, the National Police Service warned that such criminal acts will not be tolerated.
“National Police Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and warns that acts of vandalism will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
The arrest comes a week after police arrested three suspects in connection with vandalism of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company cables along Mombasa Road in Nairobi.
This was after KPLC Nairobi Area security team received a tip-off about ongoing vandalism of copper cables along Mombasa Road, near Nyayo Stadium.
According to the National Police Service, the area has recently been affected by similar incidents.
Police arrived at the scene and the team allegedly encountered approximately 10 individuals armed with crude weapons.
Police said the suspects were actively digging up and vandalising the cables. While several suspects escaped, three were apprehended, including a police officer.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said acts such as attacking public institutions, destroying property, and creating fear fall within the definition of terrorism.
“Mr Speaker, you don’t have to be Osama bin Laden to be a terrorist,” he told lawmakers.
