Police are investigating an incident in which a fire engine belonging to the County Government of Machakos was stoned by unknown people in Mlolongo, Machakos.
The fire engine was responding to a fire incident reported shortly after midnight on Wednesday when it was allegedly denied access to the scene, making rescue efforts difficult.
The motive of those who attacked the fire engine and the firefighters on board was not immediately established.
Mlolongo Acting Chief Saul Mwasya confirmed the incident, saying it occurred at about 12 am on Wednesday.
"There were neither injuries nor casualties during the incident. People pelted a fire engine belonging to the County Government of Machakos that had responded to the midnight incident," Mwasya said.
He spoke to the Star at his office in Mlolongo hours after the fire incident.
Mwasya said more than 20 houses were completely destroyed by the fire, and nothing was salvaged.
The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication.
The administrator condemned the attack on the fire engine.
He said there was no justification for attacking a vehicle that was providing emergency services.
The scene had been cleared by the time of publication as victims assessed losses of unknown value.
Mlolongo has experienced several fire incidents, mostly in informal settlements and iron-sheet structures.
On June 3, 2025, 30 commercial units were destroyed by fire along the same Heshima Street.
The affected premises included guest rooms, offices and a bar.
The fire was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault and power surges overnight.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
On September 11, 2025, 10 single-room iron-sheet houses were destroyed by fire at Kathangaita Village in Mlolongo, Machakos County.
The incident left more than 50 residents homeless. The affected families had rented the houses, and some reported losing identification documents, cash and school books.
“My children will find no home when they return from school. We only have the clothes on our backs”.
