Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the vandalism of the Standard Gauge Railways at Kibanda-Hasara in Kwale County, about 30km west of Mombasa.
The four include scrap metal dealers who were arrested in Voi Town while in possession of materials including metal rails.
Vandalism of the rails happened last Friday night less than a week to the launch of the SGR.
The vandals destroyed communication cables, guard rails, and a 30-metre long fence.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko said the suspects and any others who will be caught will be charged as organized criminals and economic saboteurs.
“All those identified and apprehended will face the full force of the law and will be charged and prosecuted not as petty thieves but as organized criminals and economic saboteurs,” he said in a statement.
Tobiko added that police are looking for more suspects.
IG Joseph Boinnet on Saturday cautioned against vandalizing any part of SGR infrastructure. He said police had expanded operations on vandals and would target those damaging power pylons and road furniture.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will commission the first phase of the SGR today. He launched the cargo train on Tuesday and will be taking a maiden trip on the passenger train today.
