Police are investigating an incident in which a Machakos County Government fire engine was stoned by unknown individuals in Mlolongo, Machakos.
The vehicle was on its way to a fire reported shortly after midnight on Wednesday when it was allegedly blocked from reaching the scene, complicating rescue efforts.
The reason behind the attack on the fire engine and the firefighters inside was not immediately known.
Mlolongo Acting Chief Saul Mwasya confirmed the incident, saying it took place at around midnight on Wednesday.
“There were no injuries or deaths during the incident. People threw stones at a fire engine belonging to the Machakos County Government that had responded to the midnight fire,” Mwasya said.
Later, at his Mlolongo office, he said more than 20 houses were completely destroyed by the fire and nothing was rescued.
The cause of the fire had not been determined at the time of reporting.
The administrator condemned the assault on the fire engine.
He said attacking a vehicle providing emergency services was unjustifiable.
The scene had been cleared by the time of reporting as victims assessed losses of unknown value.
Mlolongo has recorded several fire incidents, mainly 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 overnight power surges.
No injuries or deaths 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 have no home to return to after school. We only have the clothes we are wearing.”