Police stage train emergency drill in Kibera slums

A Rift Valley Railways train. (Photo: File/Standard)

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya: There was panic in Kibera slums, Nairobi during a mock train derailment exercise with hundreds of police being mobilised to the scene.

Officials from National Disaster Operations Centre had organised the drill to test coordination of the different departments in case of emergency, identify emerging gaps in plans and procedures and determine what resource assistance would be required in a disaster.

The operation started at about 5.30am with few security officials being informed. Those who did not know about the exercise responded to the 'emergency' by rushing to the scene. Some media houses also broadcasted the drill as an emergency while others tweeting it.

This was after some officers who were in the know “confirmed” to the media outlets in efforts to test their trust, steadfastness and reliability.

Kilimani OCPD Peter Katam came in handy “confirming” the information. “Yes we have an incident in Kibera and we are evacuating those trapped in the derailment.”

But what stood clear was that Katam was speaking from his office not the alleged scene. Some of the senior officers in the city also seemed unaware, which raised curiosity.

Personnel from Rift Valley Railways, the military, National Disaster Operations Centre, police, Kenya Red Cross, St John's Ambulance, the Fire Brigade and members of the public responded to the simulated disaster.

“The train accident reported in Kibra was a simulation, part of an emergency drill. No casualties. Thanking everyone involved for cooperation,” the NDOC tweeted an hour later.

The drill came at a time when terror-related incidents are on the rise in the country. The incidents have been on the rise since 2011 when Kenyan troops crossed to Somalia to crush Al-Shabaab militants.

In Nairobi, security personnel are on alert over increased terror threats amid claims the railway is among the targets.

Witnesses said the affected area was filled with smoke to create the impression that the train was on fire. An old train was also abandoned there to “confirm” the created impression.

Railways Police commandant Kirimi Ringera later confirmed the exercise was only a drill to establish the response of emergency services, check evacuation and reaction of the public and media.

“I can see even you media have really tried to be there on time. But it was a mock drill to see our response at large. Let us be on alert,” said Ringera.