Two men are facing the possibility of life imprisonment after being arrested on suspicion of vandalising railway infrastructure in Lugari, Kakamega County.
The suspects, identified as Geoffrey Kiprotich, 35, and Nicholas Macharia, 60, were nabbed in a joint security operation involving railway patrol teams and officers attached to railway security units. The arrests followed intelligence reports that led officers to Kiprotich’s home, where 65 pandrol clips critical components used in fastening railway tracks were discovered hidden inside the house.
During interrogation, Kiprotich allegedly disclosed the identity of his accomplice, linking Macharia to the operation. Authorities believe Macharia was responsible for transporting the stolen items to a yet-to-be-identified dealer. He was arrested at his residence in Mwamba area, also within Lugari, shortly after his name surfaced in the investigation.
Both suspects are currently being held at Bungoma Central Police Station and are expected to be arraigned in court. Investigations are still ongoing to trace the final destination of the vandalised materials and to recover any additional stolen railway infrastructure.
Officials have emphasized that railway vandalism poses a grave risk not only to the safety of passengers and goods but also to the national economy, given the heavy reliance on railway transport for trade and travel. Such acts compromise public safety, increase the cost of infrastructure maintenance, and derail efforts to modernize Kenya’s transport systems.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reminded the public that tampering with railway lines is a serious offense under Kenyan law. Section 339(2)(c) of the Penal Code classifies railway vandalism as a felony punishable by life imprisonment. Authorities have warned that those caught engaging in similar acts will face arrest, prosecution, and severe penalties.
The incident in Lugari serves as a stark reminder of the government’s commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure. Security agencies continue to monitor vulnerable installations closely to curb criminal activity and ensure the smooth operation of critical transport services across the country.
