Kenya beefs up security for Chinese railway workers

Kenyan authorities have beefed up security at the standard gauge railway (SGR) site in Naivasha, about 90kms northwest of capital Nairobi, after a group of Maasai people attacked Chinese workers in the neighboring county on Tuesday.

Naivasha Sub-County Commissioner Isaac Masinde said the government would not tolerate cases of lawlessness in the area, and urged the locals to cease attacks on the Chinese who are constructing the high-speed railway in the area.

He said that the SGR was one of the government's flagship projects, adding that there are open channels to deal with any kind of grievances.

"We have improved our security around the SGR site, and we are calling on any aggrieved party to follow the right procedure instead of taking the law onto their hands," Masinde warned.

Masinde also called on the Chinese contractor to involve government officers of its progress so as to avoid disputes among local communities.

A group of Maasai people attacked 14 Chinese workers, seriously injuring them over job opportunities in Narok County Tuesday, forcing government officers to intervene.

Two local government officials together with a civilian have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Narok County Police commander Jillo Galgalo has ordered security enforcement at the site, and promised Chinese nationals that security will be enhanced. Enditem