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Residents of Tuala in Kajiado East Constituency have raised alarm over the safety of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) following massive vandalism in the area.

Availability of the ready black market for scrap metal has been cited as a major cause of the vandalism menace.

Unknown people recently vandalised the SGR surrounding fence stealing bulb wire said to be compressed and sold to scrap metal dealers who operate within Tuala town.

Residents claim the scrap metal dealers are untouchable and thrive on threats and intimidations silencing residents who raise any concerns about suspects.

Locals say the rogue dealers fearlessly purchase stolen items including gates, wheelbarrows, doors and window panes. Criminal gangs are said to vandalise homes in search of scrap metals.

The extent of intimidation is visibly evident by the fact that most locals including those affected fear testifying on camera of horrific encounters with the criminal gangs.

The area senior chief Wilson Kaloi says the scrap metal business is a big menace that has compromised security in the area.

He says rogue dealers handling stolen materials are encouraging criminal gangs to terrorize residents.

Kaloi says administration officers are working hand in hand with security agencies to tame the rampant vandalism.

“Cases involving scrap metal dealers handling stolen materials is a big menace in this town. Criminals have taken advantage of the ready market. We are closely working with all concerned stakeholders to contain the menace,” Kaloi said.

Village elders also expressed fear for the safety of the SGR over the vandalism menace.

They now want SGR security officers to be on high alert following numerous reports that scrap metal dealers spectating and surveying the area could be eying the railway line metals which attract mouth-watering prices owing to their massive weight.

“We fear that if urgent measures are not taken to contain the situation, the criminals will invade the main SGR line. The issue is a ticking time bomb,” Jackson Werime said.

The criminal gang is reported to be trailing SGR security officers who rarely patrol the area during the day exposing the multi-billion infrastructure to destruction.

Locals further cry foul saying Tuala police station is understaffed and has mobility challenges. Police officers depend on a single motorbike as means of transport making it hard to respond to distress calls.