NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Railways is expected to initiate refunds for hundreds of passengers who had booked tickets for the Madaraka Express passenger train following its suspension of operations.
The suspension followed the Monday, July 6, 2025, incident when its Mombasa to Nairobi train was suspended hours before the nationwide Saba Saba protests.
In a statement, Kenya Railways informed passengers affected by the suspension of the 10pm Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025, that refunds will be issued to those who were unable to travel via the alternative train.
The state agency states that for passengers who had not printed their tickets, the refunds would be automatically processed to the mobile number used during ticket purchase.
How Kenya Railways apologised to frustrated passengers
On the other hand, passengers who had printed their tickets were asked to present their printed ticket at the nearest terminal or station for refund processing.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding,” reads the statement from the Kenya Railways management dated
July 15, 2025.
The timing of the cancellation sparked outrage online, with many Kenyans accusing authorities of deliberately grounding the train to prevent a large number of youth—some of whom were returning from the Summerfest concert in Mombasa—from participating in the Saba Saba protests.
Social media was awash with videos of youthful passengers singing anti-government chants such as “Ruto Wantam” while en route to the coast.
The footage, which went viral, led to claims that the train service may have been intentionally halted to restrict movement and reduce crowds in Nairobi during the planned demonstrations.
What Raila Odinga told Kenyans ahead of the Saba Saba protests
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga had asked Kenyans to gather at the Kamukunji Grounds to commemorate Saba Saba Day, marking 35 years since the historic July 7, 1990, protests for multiparty democracy under then-president Daniel Arap Moi’s regime.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended. Human rights violations and police brutality are still rampant, and the economy is in distress,” said Raila during a press briefing on the eve of the protests.
The veteran politician confirmed he would personally attend the Kamukunji event “to remember those who were killed in the struggle for democracy”.
While the 1990 protests were violently suppressed, they catalysed constitutional reforms that eventually ended Kenya’s one-party rule.
This year, the anniversary came amid rising public dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration, fuelled by economic hardship, police crackdowns, and controversial legislation.
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