‘Walitoa battery na milango wakachoma gari’ – Mediamax driver recounts how company’s Isuzu D-Max was torched in Homa Bay
By Valerian Khakayi, August 17, 2026A Mediamax Network Limited driver, Kihiu Kuria, has recounted how a company Isuzu D-Max double-cabin was vandalised and set ablaze during an attack by goons in Homa Bay.
Speaking on Monday, August 17, 2026, Kuria said the incident occurred as the team approached Homa Bay town, where a group of goons had completely blocked the road.
“Tulipokuwa tunaingia Homa Bay town kama six kilometres, tulikutana na goons wakiwa wamefunga barabara kabisa,” Kuria said.
He said several motorists managed to escape, but the Mediamax vehicle which got burnt was trapped in the middle of the pavement.
“Magari zengine ziliweza kuhepa lakini gari yangu ilikwama katikati ya pavement,” he said.
Kuria said the attackers later vandalised the vehicle before setting it on fire after removing its battery and doors.
“Gari yetu Isuzu D-Max double cabin walichoma, kwanza walitoa battery na wakatoa milango,” he said.
With the situation becoming dangerous, Kuria said he abandoned the vehicle and sought refuge in a police car.
“Magari zengine ziliweza kuhepa lakini gari yangu ilikwama katikati ya pavement na hapo ndio mimi mwenyewe nilitoka nikaenda kuingia kwa gari ya polisi,” he recounted.
Drivers injured
Kuria also said he sustained minor injuries during the incident.
“Mwenzangu aligongwa mawe, mimi mwenyewe nimeumia kidogo,” he added.
Homa Bay attack
His account comes after Mediamax journalists were attacked while covering a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to K24, cameramen Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo were among those attacked, with Mwangi sustaining serious injuries and being taken to hospital. The incident also saw the company vehicle set ablaze, while media equipment was vandalised and other equipment stolen.
The attack on the Mediamax team was among several incidents reported during the rally, which was marred by violence and destruction in parts of Homa Bay. The unrest saw vehicles vandalised and roads blocked as clashes erupted in the town.
The violence also resulted in injuries, with police later moving to restore order as the situation escalated around the rally. Seventeen persons of interest were subsequently arrested in connection with the unrest, according to the report.