A vandalised Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line. [Photo: Courtesy]Twelve people were on Friday charged with sabotaging the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) few days before its official launch.Peterson Matunda, Theophilas Mwongela, Bernard Maina, Joseph Mbugua, James Mburu, Wilbrod Omondi, Joel Kabiru, Mugi Nyaga, Moses Wanyama, David Nzili, Nicholas Muthuku and Paul Sila were jointly charged with six counts each, following the accusation that they intentionally endangered the lives of SGR users by impairing the line's performance.They allegedly committed the crime on May 26 in Mwavumbo area, Kwale county.The 12 were also accused of destroying scrap metals from the SGR, engaging in organised crimes for the purpose of obtaining financial benefits and endangering lives of the SGR train users.They were also alleged to have been found dealing in scrap metal business without a license on June 1 at their shops in Taita Taveta, Kwale and Mombasa.They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.Senior state counsel Alexander Muteti asked the court to deny bail for the accused terming them a flight risk.Muteti said the accused persons were likely to abscond court due to the nature of the charges.So far, 20 people have been arrested for vandalism and theft of the SGR protective bars.Source: Mombasa County Government Watch

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