NAIROBI, Kenya — Vehicle marketer Patrick Riang’a, popularly known as Patrick Car Dealer has announced his departure from Car Soko Ltd, bringing to a close a chapter that saw him become one of the most recognisable faces in Kenya’s online vehicle marketing industry.
In a statement shared on Instagram on July 1, 2026, Patrick said he was leaving the dealership after several years and thanked colleagues, clients and business partners who had been part of his journey.
“Today, 1st July, 2026, marks the end of my working for Car Soko Ltd, a very good workplace that I have called home for so many years,” he wrote.
Patrick also revealed that he would formally introduce his new workplace the following day, signalling the beginning of a new phase in his career.
Reflecting on his time at Car Soko
Describing his departure as the end of an important chapter, Patrick said his years at Car Soko had been defined by professional growth, friendship and memorable experiences.
He paid tribute to the company’s leadership, particularly businessman Limo, whom he credited with acts of generosity and support over the years.
“If I am asked to write about you, I will need several days, maybe weeks, to put together some of your acts of kindness and generosity,” he said.
Patrick highlighted Limo’s role in supporting Goliath wa Bungoma, saying he had helped transform his life and career.
Tribute to Goliath wa Bungoma
Patrick also reserved special praise for Goliath Wa Bungoma, whose real name is Isaac Otesa, with whom he built a strong marketing partnership at Car Soko.
The pair became widely known through vehicle promotion content that helped grow the dealership’s online presence and visibility.
“You will forever be my brother,” Patrick wrote.
He said the “Bangalaa” brand they helped create together would remain one of the highlights of his career and encouraged Goliath to continue representing Car Soko with dedication.
While leaving Car Soko, Patrick expressed confidence that his relationships within the motor vehicle industry would continue beyond the company.
He thanked colleagues and customers for their support and said the memories created during his time at the dealership would remain with him.
“The good memories we created together will forever remain in my heart.”
Patrick’s announcement comes as followers await details of his next move, which he said would be unveiled on July 2.
Who is Patrick Riang’a? From security guard to Kenya’s ‘Car Soko Boss’
Patrick Riang’a is a Kenyan entrepreneur and automotive sales professional widely known as the public face of Car Soko, one of Kenya’s most recognisable vehicle marketplaces.
Over the years, he has built a reputation as a successful car salesman, mentor and content creator, earning national attention through his journey from humble beginnings to prominence in Kenya’s motor vehicle industry.
Early life and education
Patrick Riang’a was born on November 30, 1989, in Nyangeti Village, Machoge Masaba, Kisii County.
Raised in a modest family, he has often spoken about the financial challenges that shaped his childhood and educational journey.
Although he performed well in primary school and reportedly qualified for admission to a national secondary school, financial constraints prevented him from taking up the opportunity.
Instead, he attended local schools in Kisii County and completed his secondary education in 2010 with a B- grade.
From watchman to radio presenter
Before entering the business world, Patrick worked as a security guard.
His breakthrough came in 2012 when he joined Nation Media Group’s QFM, a Swahili-language radio station, as a presenter.
The role helped him develop communication, marketing and relationship-building skills that would later prove valuable in his business career.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Patrick has publicly stated:
“I have come from a very bad background. In 2011, I worked as a watchman before venturing into media a year later.”
After spending several years in radio, he resigned from Nation Media Group in 2015, citing the demanding nature of media work and a desire to pursue entrepreneurship.
Entry into the motor vehicle industry
Patrick’s transition into automotive sales marked a turning point in his career.
He joined Ocean Cross Auto, where he worked alongside several rising figures in the vehicle business and gained practical experience in car sales.
According to Patrick, he closed his first vehicle sale within days of joining the dealership, helping establish his confidence in the industry.
Rise at Car Soko
Patrick later joined Car Soko and became one of the company’s most visible personalities.
Through digital marketing campaigns, vehicle reviews and customer engagement, he earned the nickname “Car Soko Boss” and became a familiar face among Kenyan motorists.
Also Read: ‘Goliath wa Bungoma’ breaks down in Betty Kyallo interview over past rejection in Nairobi
His ability to market vehicles through social media helped transform him into one of the country’s best-known automotive sales professionals.
On July 1, 2026, Patrick announced that he was leaving Car Soko to pursue a new opportunity, ending a significant chapter of his career.
Mentor to Goliath wa Bungoma
Beyond vehicle sales, Patrick is also known for mentoring upcoming sales professionals.
One of the most notable examples is Goliath wa Bungoma, whom Patrick helped introduce to the automotive industry after the latter reportedly faced challenges finding stable employment in Nairobi.
Patrick provided mentorship and training in vehicle sales, helping Goliath establish himself within the industry and become a recognised automotive marketer in his own right.
Personal life
Patrick is married and has often credited his wife for supporting him through difficult financial periods, particularly during the early years of his transition from media to entrepreneurship.
His story of overcoming hardship, changing careers and building a successful personal brand has made him a source of inspiration for many young entrepreneurs in Kenya.
