The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has suspended commuter train services ahead of Azimio La Umoja protests on today.
“We wish to inform our customers that due to unavoidable circumstances, commuter train services scheduled for tomorrow, Monday the 27th of March, have been suspended. All Madaraka Express link trains between the Nairobi Central Station and the Nairobi Terminus will, however, run as scheduled. We do sincerely apologize to all our esteemed customers for any inconvenience caused. By Management. 26th March 2023,” the KRC statement stated in full.
The protests are expected to be bloody and the company is just acting to stem losses from low commuter numbers. Both the govt and the opposition blame each other for planned violence.
Earlier on Sunday, the Interior Ministry and National Police Service warned Kenyans against engaging in protests.
“Whichever level you are in society, whichever status you are. I have enough land cruisers to put you behind the cruisers. Tomorrow I am not putting anyone in a Prado. Whoever I will arrest tomorrow, I will put you in a Landcruiser, you will go to jail and stay there forever,” Japhet Koome, the Inspector General of Police said.
On his part, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Prof Kithure Kindiki proposed changes to article 37 of the constitution.
“The government shall introduce in Parliament subsidiary legislation in the form of Regulations pursuant to the Public Order Act and the Statutory Instruments Act to provide for the legal circumscription of assemblies, demonstrations, pickets and petitions,” CS Kindiki said.
Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to, peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.
KRC operates trains on the following routes, Ruiru – Nairobi CBD, Kikuyu – Nairobi CBD, Embakasi – Nairobi CBD and Syokimau – Nairobi CBD.
The fares range from Sh40 – Sh150.
