Kibera Court Orders Age Assessment for One of Six Accused in Alleged Fake Madaraka Express Ticket Fraud Scheme

By Gedion Nzyoki -

Nairobi, Kenya | July 14, 2026 — The Kibera Law Courts have ordered an age assessment for one of the six suspects accused of involvement in an alleged fake Madaraka Express ticket fraud scheme after questions arose over whether he is a minor.

Speaking on Tuesday while issuing directions in the matter, Magistrate Stella Atambo said the court could not proceed with the case against the second respondent until his age had been established, noting that the investigating officer appeared to be uncertain about his actual age.

Court Raises Questions Over Suspect's Age

Addressing the court, Magistrate Atambo observed that the investigating officer had not provided sufficient information regarding the second respondent's age.

"Before any other directions or any other steps in this matter, the second respondent shall be subjected to an age assessment so that we can ascertain his correct age," the magistrate ruled.

She further directed that, if the suspect's parents possess documents such as a birth certificate, they should present them to assist the court in verifying his age.

"If we have documentation on his age, such as a birth certificate, the parents may avail the same," she said.

Minor Must Be Treated Under Child Justice Laws

The magistrate emphasized that if the assessment establishes that the respondent is below 18 years of age, the court would be legally obligated to treat him as a child in accordance with the law.

"If he is below 18 years old, that means he is a child, and he has to be treated as such," Atambo stated.

She added that legal counsel should also be appointed to represent the respondent if he is confirmed to be a minor before the case proceeds any further.

Suspect Remanded Pending Assessment

Pending the outcome of the age assessment, the court ordered that the respondent be remanded at Muthaiga Police Station.

The magistrate directed that the assessment be conducted as soon as possible.

"Let the respondent be subjected to an age assessment tomorrow, if possible, or immediately thereafter, and then get back to the court with a report of the same," she ordered.

The suspect, together with the other five accused persons, is expected to return to the Kibera Law Courts on July 16, 2026, when the court will review the age assessment report and any documents presented by his parents before issuing further directions in the case.

The ruling came during proceedings involving six suspects facing charges related to the alleged sale of fake Madaraka Express tickets. The court indicated that determining the second respondent's age is a necessary legal step before proceedings against him can continue.

The case comes just days after Kenya Railways launched a crackdown on fraudsters impersonating the corporation through fake websites, social media pages, and individuals allegedly conning unsuspecting passengers seeking to book Madaraka Express train tickets.

In a public notice dated July 10, 2026, and shared on the corporation's official X account on July 11, 2026, Kenya Railways warned that the fraudsters had been directing customers to unauthorized payment channels, leaving many victims counting financial losses.

It is against this backdrop that the six suspects were arrested and detained at Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday to face charges related to the alleged ticket fraud scheme.