This archive report was first published on 24 September 2021.
Kenya Railways Denies Train Derailment Claims ¶
On September 24, a heavy traffic congestion was reported along the busy Mbagathi Way and Langata Road, stretching for kilometres.
The traffic congestion, which lasted for several hours, caused an uproar on social media with Kenyans accusing the police officers charged with the responsibility of ensuring free flow of traffic of failing to do their work.
Motorists and passengers on the two roads sent distress messages alleging that a train had derailed blocking a section of the Mbagathi Way, with a section of the media picking up the reports and broadcasting them.
However, Kenya Railways has since clarified that none of its trains derailed on that day, stating that "contrary to reports circulating on social media, none of our trains have derailed or caused snarl ups within Nairobi."
The National Police Service also clarified that no train derailed at the said hour, stating that it was a truck that developed mechanical issues and stalled along Mbagathi Way, eventually leading to the traffic mess.
"Reference is made to our earlier communication that a train had derailed along the Mbagathi Way causing obstruction. The Commandant Railways Police wishes to confirm it was not a train, but a truck," the report read.
The truck has since been removed and the road cleared.
