Police officers have arrested an individual in Kajiado County for allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials. The arrest took place in the Kibini area following a coordinated operation by the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) in collaboration with local law enforcement.
During an inspection at Sultan Hamud Police Post, authorities discovered a lorry loaded with 61 railway sleepers and 60 rail bars suspected to have been vandalised from an active railway line. The driver of the vehicle was immediately taken into custody, and the lorry was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the suspect will be charged in court once the probe is complete.
Security agencies emphasized that the protection of critical infrastructure remains a top priority, warning that individuals involved in acts of vandalism or sabotage will face severe consequences. The railway network plays a vital role in the country’s transportation system, and its destruction not only disrupts economic activities but also poses significant safety risks to passengers and freight services.
This arrest highlights the increasing challenges faced by authorities in combating vandalism targeting essential infrastructure. Experts have linked such crimes to organized criminal groups who often dismantle and sell metallic components as scrap, causing massive losses to the government and taxpayers.
The recent operation adds to ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb infrastructure-related crimes and strengthen surveillance along transport corridors. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further damage to the country’s vital assets.
In a separate incident earlier this month, police intensified crackdowns on drug trafficking and contraband in Siaya County. A major operation in Nyang’oma Sub-Location led to the seizure of 270 rolls of cannabis, 50 kilograms of smuggled sugar, and 78 packets of export cigarettes. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody pending court proceedings.
Investigators believe the region’s proximity to the Busia border makes it a hotspot for illicit trade, creating a nexus between narcotics smuggling and cross-border contraband operations. Authorities warned that such networks not only fuel crime but also undermine economic stability and public safety.
These developments underscore the ongoing commitment by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks involved in infrastructure sabotage and smuggling, reinforcing the need for collaborative vigilance among law enforcement, stakeholders, and the public.