The Japanese driver carried Toyota’s title hopes into the final day after leading the charge on Saturday, March 14, a dramatic leg that saw three of his teammates drop out due to mechanical problems, including former champions Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier.

Rally leader Oliver Solberg also withdrew on the same day after encountering a similar issue.

Despite the chaos, Katsuta — a driver who has built a strong following among Kenyan fans since the rally’s return in 2021 — kept his cool throughout Saturday, ending the penultimate leg with a commanding 1 minute 25.5 seconds lead ahead of the final day.

Takamoto Katsuta of Toyota Gazoo Racing speaking to the media at the 2026 WRC Safari Rally. /WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

On Sunday, March 15, he faced intense pressure from Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai Motorsport, particularly during SS18, where the two drivers were separated by just a single second.

However, Katsuta held firm over the final two stages, maintaining his pace and composure to secure victory, clinching the title in the third round of the championship and marking the sixth and final edition of Safari Rally Kenya under the current hosting agreement.

The turning point in the leaderboard came on Saturday when rally leader Solberg and Ogier retired while travelling to the mid-leg service. Both drivers had successfully navigated the punishing Sleeping Warrior stage, one of the toughest sections of the rally, but mechanical problems struck before they could reach the Naivasha Service Park.

Solberg’s Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 developed electrical and transmission issues during the liaison section, while Ogier was forced to stop after an alternator failure abruptly ended his charge. Their exits compounded an already difficult morning for Toyota. Earlier in the same stage, championship leader Evans had also retired while running second overall after suffering rear-right suspension damage.

Within the span of a single stage and the return trip to service, Toyota’s commanding 1-2-3 grip on the rally was wiped out.

The 31-kilometre Sleeping Warrior test proved brutal. Solberg completed the stage with almost no visibility after running out of windscreen washer fluid in thick mud, while Ogier pushed hard to set the fastest time and significantly reduce the gap to the rally lead.

According to Toyota’s Deputy Team Principal Juha Kankkunen, the heavy mud played a key role in the mechanical failures.

“The last stage was quite muddy and tough, and the mud went into the engine side and broke the alternators for both cars,” he explained as quoted by the World Rally Championship. “Oliver also had a transmission problem, and Elfyn we already knew about. It hasn’t been the best morning.”

Kankkunen added that the sticky mud typical of the Safari Rally can trigger serious mechanical problems. “Water is not that bad, but stiff mud sticks everywhere, and that can cause problems. It went into the alternator and broke the pulley, and everything got stuck.”

With the Toyota trio suddenly out of contention, Katsuta inherited the rally lead. The Japanese driver had adopted a cautious strategy earlier in the day after punctures left him without a spare tyre.

“It is super muddy and tricky, and we have no spare, so I completely backed off,” Katsuta said after completing the stage. “It is better to stay in the game because anything can happen in the afternoon.”

His prediction quickly proved accurate. Katsuta carried the lead into Sunday with a commanding 1 minute 25.5 seconds advantage and faced intense pressure from Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville of Hyundai Motorsport.

The battle peaked during SS18, where Katsuta and Fourmaux were separated by just a second. However, the Japanese driver held his nerve through the final two stages, maintaining his momentum to seal a historic victory.

Instead of the usual sponsor-heavy graphics, the team’s three Hyundai i20 N Rally1 machines now feature bold illustrations of some of Kenya’s most recognisable animals — including hippopotamus, giraffe, elephant, and zebra — splashed across the bodywork.

The designs sit alongside sponsor branding and the rally-themed tagline “Oh Look! Over There!”, positioned prominently on the driver and navigator door panels.

The special livery is designed as a tribute to Kenya’s global tourism appeal, often marketed under the “Origin of Wonder” branding, and will be on display as the rally roared to life on Thursday, March 12, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Hyundai i20 N Rally1 wrapped in livery dedicated to Kenya's iconic wildlife. /HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT

Speaking ahead of the rally, Peter Murungi welcomed the gesture by the team, describing it as a global spotlight on Kenya’s natural heritage.

“Vivo Energy Kenya, as the local Shell products marketer and distributor, welcomes the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team to Kenya and acknowledges the team’s befitting tribute to Kenya’s tourism product through the special rally car livery,” Murungi stated.

He added: “Kenya is undoubtedly the Origin of Wonder, and we appreciate the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team for bestowing us the honour to spotlight our wildlife globally as we wish the team success.”

Shell serves as a co-title sponsor and technical partner of the Hyundai team and has supplied lubricants to the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team since 2014, supporting its campaigns in the FIA World Rally Championship.

The wildlife-themed cars began hitting the gravel stages as the rally commenced, with crews bracing for the notoriously punishing conditions that have made the Safari Rally one of the toughest events on the WRC calendar.

During Thursday's shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, defending world champion Thierry Neuville set the fastest pace, clocking 4 minutes 33.1 seconds on his third and final run of the 6.31-kilometre test stage. The Belgian driver’s appearance also marked his 185th start in the WRC, moving him past rally legend Sébastien Loeb on the championship’s all-time participation list.

The Hyundai outfit is fielding three cars at the rally. The first, driven by Adrien Fourmaux and navigator Alexandre Coria, was scheduled to start fourth off the line at the ceremonial flag-off.

They were to be followed by reigning WRC champions Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe in fifth position. The team’s third entry — driven by Esapekka Lappi with navigator Enni Mälkönen — was to roll out in eighth.

The Safari Rally is renowned for its punishing terrain, with extreme heat, dust, and unpredictable weather putting both machines and crews under intense pressure.

Shell says the rally also doubles as a proving ground for its lubricants, including Shell Helix Ultra, which the company tests under the brutal rally conditions before transferring the technology to everyday road cars.

Hyundai i20 N Rally1 in action during the 2026 WRC Safari Rally on March 12, 2026.

The latest sponsorship pushes CFAO’s total investment in the rally to over Ksh153 million in six years, as the company deepens its involvement in motorsport development and grassroots rally training.

Speaking during the official cheque handover ceremony, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing local rally talent.

“Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship; we are investing in the growth of motorsports and will continue to champion initiatives that nurture young talent and elevate Kenya’s rally standing on the global stage,” Reel stated.

Rally Training Boost

Beyond financial support, the firm also donated two rally-spec cars to the Safari Rally Training School Project, part of a wider effort to develop young drivers.

The FIA-homologated Toyota Starlet rally cars, built in collaboration with Kenyan engineers and technicians, were developed to Rally5 international standards at a total cost of KSh34.5 million.

Team Toyota Gazoo Racing posing next to one of the two rally-spec cars donated to the Safari Rally Training School Project.

The vehicles were officially presented to President William Ruto at State House earlier this week, signalling government support for motorsport development in the country.

Cross Car for Teen Drivers

CFAO has also invested Ksh3.7 million in building a prototype FIA-standard Cross Car designed specifically for junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17. The vehicle is expected to introduce younger competitors to rally racing and create a structured pathway for upcoming drivers entering professional motorsport.

To strengthen driver training, the company has partnered with Botterill Motor Sport to develop a rally training curriculum.

A training camp for Kenyan drivers and navigators is also planned, with the curriculum set to be handed over to the Safari Rally secretariat to ensure the programme continues beyond the 2026 event.

Government Applauds Investment

Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi praised the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem.

“I would like to commend CFAO Mobility Kenya for its investment in strengthening grassroots motorsport in the country. Their donation of two Toyota Starlets, support in developing the Rally Academy training curriculum, and commitment to producing Kenya’s first affordable FIA Cross Car at the KVM plant are important steps toward building local motorsport talent and technical capacity,” he stated.

“As we move forward, I encourage collaboration with The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) so that this initiative can also help build skills and expand local production capacity within the sector.”

Toyota Rally Stars Attend Event

The event also attracted top drivers from Toyota Gazoo Racing, including championship leader Elfyn Evans, rising Finnish driver Sami Pajari, and legendary four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen, who previously won the Safari Rally in 1985.

Reel also highlighted the role of the Toyota Hilux in the rally, noting it has consistently served as the event’s “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the Safari Rally returned to the World Rally Championship calendar.

According to Reel, the selection highlights the Hilux’s reputation for quality, durability, and reliability, particularly in the rugged terrain of the Kenyan rally stages.

CFAO Mobility MD Ravinder Reel handing over the Toyota Starlet Rally Car donated to President William Ruto at State House ahead of the WRC Safari Rally 2026.

Hamilton made the comments during an interview on Thursday, March 5, where he discussed the continued absence of Africa from the global Formula 1 calendar despite the sport hosting races across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

The British driver explained that over the past several years, he has travelled extensively across Africa, visiting more than 10 countries and gaining a deeper appreciation of the continent’s culture, people, and landscapes. During the same period, he revealed he has been actively pushing behind the scenes for the return of a Formula 1 Grand Prix to Africa.

According to Hamilton, he has spent years engaging stakeholders within Formula One, raising the question of why the sport still lacks a race on the continent and urging decision-makers to seriously explore the possibility of bringing an event there.

Action scenes during the Formula One Sprint Race in China in 2025. /PLANETF1

“I've been to 10 countries now in Africa, and there's still so much more for me to see. For the past six years, I think, maybe seven, I've been fighting in the background to get a Grand Prix. So, sitting with the stakeholders and asking them the question 'Why are we not in Africa?'” stated Hamilton.

His remarks come at a time when interest in Formula 1 across Africa is rising rapidly. Recent reports indicate the sport’s fanbase on the continent has grown significantly over the past few years, with Kenya emerging as one of the key centres of this expansion.

In Nairobi, organised Formula 1 viewing events, such as watch parties, have increasingly drawn large crowds of motorsport enthusiasts. Some gatherings have reportedly attracted as many as 1,400 fans for a single race weekend, highlighting the growing demand for the sport among Kenyan audiences.

The increase in popularity has also been driven by strong engagement from younger viewers and women across the continent. In countries such as Kenya and Ghana, female fans have become particularly active within the Formula 1 community, engaging with the sport’s technical side, online discussions, and social events centred around race weekends.

While Hamilton expressed admiration for Kenya following his visit to the country in August 2022, he acknowledged that hosting a Formula 1 race there could be challenging due to the significant infrastructure and logistical requirements associated with staging a Grand Prix.

However, he pointed to Rwanda as one of the African countries that left a strong impression on him, suggesting it could potentially serve as a venue for a future race. “I loved Kenya. I don't think we're going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda particularly was spectacular, and somewhere I felt like I could live,” Hamilton said.

The 40-year-old driver added that other African nations, including South Africa, could also become viable hosts for a Formula 1 race if sufficient investment and planning were undertaken to meet the sport’s strict standards.

For years, Hamilton has been among the most vocal figures advocating for Formula 1’s return to Africa, which remains the only inhabited continent without a race on the official championship calendar. Currently racing for Scuderia Ferrari after leaving Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2025, Hamilton described the possibility of competing in Africa as something deeply meaningful on a personal level.

He explained that his heritage links him to several African nations, including Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, places he has increasingly been exploring in recent years.

Hamilton also emphasised that hosting a Formula 1 race on the continent would provide an opportunity to showcase Africa’s culture, beauty, and economic potential while allowing millions of local fans to experience the sport up close.

Widely recognised as Formula 1’s first Black driver to achieve global dominance in the sport, Hamilton — whose father is of Afro-Caribbean descent and whose mother is white — acknowledged that Formula 1 leadership has been making efforts to organise a race in Africa.

Still, he admitted that progress has been slow and that a race on the continent may not happen in the immediate future.

Recent discussions have linked several African countries to potential bids. Rwanda emerged as the most recent nation connected to a possible Grand Prix project, although momentum around that proposal has since cooled.

South Africa has also featured in discussions about a possible return to the Formula 1 calendar, with potential venues including the historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg and the possibility of a street race in Cape Town. However, negotiations around those plans have also stalled. Kyalami previously hosted Formula 1 races between 1967 and 1985, and again in 1992 and 1993, during a period when South Africa was still under apartheid rule.

Beyond motorsport, Hamilton also raised broader concerns about the historical and ongoing exploitation of African countries by wealthier Western nations, particularly former colonial powers. “It is the most beautiful part of the world, and I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it,” Hamilton described.

“I’m really hoping that the people who are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. That’s what I want to see. Take it back from the French. Take it back from the Spanish. Take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It’s so important for the future of that continent. They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are.”

Hamilton remains one of the most successful drivers in the history of Formula One, holding multiple records, including 105 race wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes.

He has claimed seven world championships — in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 — and became Formula One’s first Black world champion. Ahead of the 2026 season, he is eyeing a record eighth world championship, which would see him pass Michael Schumacher, who ironically raced for both Ferrari and Mercedes like Hamilton, and become the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in the motorsport.

In 2021, he also received a knighthood in recognition of his achievements and contributions to motorsport.

The brewer, through its premium beer brand White Cap, not only increased its sponsorship by Ksh25 million compared to last year but will also serve as the Official Pouring Partner and Official Responsible Drinking Partner for the rally.

The funding comes at a pivotal moment, as the government formally shifted management of the Safari Rally to private players in a sweeping restructuring aimed at commercialising the country’s sporting assets.

Speaking during the sponsorship unveiling in Ruaraka, KBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo confirmed the enhanced commitment, positioning it as both a business and sporting investment.

KBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo (L) presents White Cap’s sponsorship for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Championship to Ministry of Sports Representative Kipchumba Rutto. /PHOTO

“We have increased our sponsorship for the Safari Rally by Ksh25 million as a demonstration of our commitment to the sport and adventure for our consumers and fans of the rally. The increased investment will go towards WRC event logistics and the elevation of the overall village experience at the 2026 rally.

"We have all been witnesses to the impact the Safari Rally has had on our sporting landscape for decades. For four years in a row now, we have continued to play a part in this sport, capturing the imagination of fans as we leave our mark as a longstanding partner in the sports sphere in the country,” Kilonzo stated.

Part of the sponsorship will finance upgraded fan zones, including a paddock-inspired hospitality setup near the iconic Miti Mbili jump, complete with elevated viewing decks and live coverage screens — a move aimed at enhancing the commercial and spectator appeal of the rally.

The KBL deal aligns with a broader government policy shift. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed on February 24 that the government entered a new partnership model that handed operational leadership of the rally over to private investors.

"This breakthrough marks a monumental realization of the strategic vision of H.E. President William Ruto towards the full commercialization of sports and sporting assets, as well as enhanced private-sector participation in the growth and development of Kenya’s sports ecosystem," Mvurya stated, referencing President Ruto’s agenda to transform sports into a commercially viable sector.

Under the new framework, private partners will coordinate and execute the rally, supported by a restructured administrative system. The Government already settled the annual promoter’s fee to the WRC rights holder, securing Kenya’s slot on the championship calendar and guaranteeing uninterrupted preparations.

"Subsequently, the CEO, duly gazetted and seconded officers serving in the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat, as well as those with ongoing contractual engagements, will be reassigned back into the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to serve until the conclusion of their respective contractual terms," the statement added.

Since Kenya rejoined the World Rally Championship circuit in 2021, the State had been overseeing planning, security, logistics, infrastructure upgrades, and payment of the promoter’s fee through the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat. Those core responsibilities have since transitioned to private hands, marking the most significant governance shift since the rally’s return.

WRC Safari Rally Kenya Representative Jerry Orode welcomed the expanded corporate backing, noting its role in delivering a world-class event.

“For the history of the Safari Rally event, it has always captured the soul, passion, and energy of millions of Kenyan spectators and those who travel far to come enjoy the thrill.

"As organizers, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to all, as usual. KBL has always played a critical role in our sports, and this sponsorship will go a long way to boost the delivery of the event,” Orode remarked.

The 2026 rally will feature 20 special stages covering approximately 350 competitive kilometres across Naivasha’s rugged terrain. For the first time since Kenya’s return to the WRC calendar, fans will have access to the shakedown stage following its relocation to Nawisa near the service park.

“This year is different because the shakedown has shifted to Naivasha, giving fans an array of spots to access the rally stages. Thanks to the new location at Nawisa, right next to the service park in Naivasha, rally enthusiasts can come and watch the cars as they prepare for the competition.

"This is a historic moment for our fans here in Kenya and for the global rally audience watching on live. My clarion call to all attendees is to obey traffic marshals and ensure they are responsible for their own safety,” Orode urged.

With KBL’s multi-million-shilling backing and a new private-sector-led model now in play, the 2026 Safari Rally is shaping up to be not just a motorsport spectacle, but a test case for Kenya’s broader sports commercialisation ambitions.

President William Ruto flagging off the 2025 World Rally Championship Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. /PCS

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the move aligns with President William Ruto’s vision of fully commercializing sports and boosting private-sector involvement in Kenya’s sporting ecosystem.

"This breakthrough marks a monumental realization of the strategic vision of H.E. President William Ruto towards the full commercialization of sports and sporting assets, as well as enhanced private-sector participation in the growth and development of Kenya’s sports ecosystem," Mvurya explained.

Under the new model, private partners will lead the coordination and execution of the rally, while a restructured administrative framework will ensure smooth operations.

President William Ruto flagging off the 2025 World Rally Championship Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. /PCS

The Government has already settled the promoter’s fee, guaranteeing uninterrupted preparations ahead of the global motorsport spectacle.

The CS reassured Kenyans, stakeholders, and fans that all preparations for the rally are complete.

"Subsequently, the CEO, duly gazetted and seconded officers serving in the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat, as well as those with ongoing contractual engagements, will be reassigned back into the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to serve until the conclusion of their respective contractual terms," the statement added.

Mvurya extended an open invitation to Kenyans and international motorsport enthusiasts to Naivasha for what promises to be “a bigger, better, and more electrifying rally event that continues to redefine Kenya’s sporting excellence and global stature.”

Since Kenya rejoined the World Rally Championship calendar in 2021, the government has taken the lead in organizing the event through the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat.

The state managed key aspects of the rally, including planning, security, infrastructure upgrades, logistics, and payment of the annual promoter’s fee to the WRC rights holder—responsibilities that will now shift to the private sector.

Corporate sponsors and private companies have historically contributed in areas like branding, hospitality, and local logistics, but their role has largely been supportive rather than managerial.

The rally will again be hosted in Naivasha, a town that has become synonymous with the event thanks to its scenic landscapes and vast rally routes, providing an ideal testing ground for drivers’ skills.

Over the years, the Safari Rally has grown into a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from Kenya and abroad, and providing a significant boost to the local economy.

In a statement released on Friday, January 16, Kirubi noted that the winning shot was taken during the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya. 

He framed the honour as both a personal milestone and a national win, pointing to his long journey covering the rally since it rejoined the WRC calendar.

Kirubi also linked the victory to his consistency on the ground, highlighting his role as one of the few Kenyan photographers accredited to cover the event year after year.

A photo of Mwangi Kirubi at work in a CHAN tournament on August 24, 2025. /MWANGI KIRUBI

“A proud moment for me, my country, Kenya, and the Safari Rally. When the Safari Rally returned to the WRC circuit in 2021, I was one of a handful of Kenyan photographers accredited to shoot at the rally. I have been privileged to shoot at every WRC Safari Rally Kenya ever since, making the 2025 edition my fifth in a row,” he said.

He explained that the award-winning image was captured during the Shakedown stage at Sleeping Warrior, an early session that allows photographers to fine-tune their craft because drivers make multiple runs on the same stretch.

“This winning image was captured during Shakedown at Sleeping Warrior. Unlike regular rally stages that are run once before the cars dash on to the next stage, at Shakedown, the drivers run the stage three to four times.

“These back-to-back runs give the photographers a chance to change our shooting positions and settings, with the goal of capturing the best shots,” he added.

For the first time since 2021, the iconic Kasarani Super Special Stage has been dropped, ending the head-to-head opener that traditionally launched the rally in the capital.

As a result, the WRC’s sole African round will be held exclusively in Naivasha, placing full emphasis on the rugged Rift Valley landscape.

What Will This Mean For Nairobi Residents?

For Nairobi residents, the 2026 Safari Rally changes are a mixed bag, but the impact is clear: the city is out of the rally business.

The removal of the Kasarani Super Special Stage means Nairobi loses the most accessible, fan-friendly part of the event, where thousands could watch world-class rallying without travelling far. That also translates to fewer visitors, reduced hotel occupancy, and lower short-term business for restaurants, transport operators, and informal traders who usually cash in during rally week.

On the upside, residents will be spared the traffic disruptions, road closures, and security restrictions that have become routine whenever the rally passes through the capital. Daily life in the city will run more smoothly during the event.

However, fans in Nairobi will now have to travel to Naivasha to experience the rally live, shifting spending and economic benefits to Nakuru County. In short, Nairobi gains convenience but loses visibility, buzz, and rally-related revenue.

Schedule Changes

The rally schedule has also been trimmed by a day. The shakedown, previously staged on Wednesday, has been moved to Thursday morning, with the five-kilometre Nawisa stage selected as the official test for 2026. Competitive racing will then get underway later that same afternoon.

Crews will begin the rally with the familiar Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages around Naivasha, following a route that closely resembles the 2025 edition.

Friday is expected to be the most demanding leg, featuring eight stages and the longest competitive distance. Drivers will tackle two runs each of Loldia, Kengen Geothermal, Kedong, and Camp Moran, totalling a punishing 136.55 kilometres.

On Saturday, the rally heads deeper into the savannah for six stages across Soysambu, Elementeita, and Sleeping Warrior, all run twice for a combined 123 competitive kilometres.

The event will wrap up on Sunday with four stages, including repeat passes through Oserengoni and the famous Hell’s Gate, which will once again host the Power Stage and could prove decisive.

Despite the changes, Naivasha remains the rally’s central hub, continuing to host the service park and headquarters, about 100 kilometres from Nairobi.

Safari Rally Kenya will be the third round of the 2026 WRC season, running from March 12 to 15. The event will comprise 20 special stages covering 350 competitive kilometres, setting up another brutal and unpredictable challenge for the world’s leading rally crews.

In 2019, the Safari Rally was confirmed to be making a comeback to the calendar for the first time since 2002. It was originally scheduled for 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that it was postponed to 2021.

WRC event director Simon Larkin, who spoke on Sunday, March 23 on the final day of the 2025 Safari Rally, revealed that WRC was keen on extending its partnership with Safari Rally Kenya and that negotiations on a new long-term contract with the country’s government are ongoing.

“This is something we’ve been working on with President (William) Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary for a while now. We’ve had a fairly long commitment up until now and we have a contract for 2026.

“For sure there’s no doubt about that (extension) but we have a history with Safari Rally Kenya of making sure that we have a renewal early. We see a long-term commitment here in Kenya,” Larkin said as first reported by the Safari Rally X account.

The Event Director revealed that negotiations with Kenya to renew the contract with Safari Rally started after last year’s edition, the fourth since it returned to the WRC in 2021 after a 19-year absence.

Larkin echoed President William Ruto’s sentiments during Thursday, March 20’s ceremonial flag-off of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally in Nairobi where the Head of State called for the privatisation of the event.

“We think it’s the best way for the event to grow. We think it’s the best way for the government to try to reduce its financial burden of the event. Because we hear it from some of the biggest companies here, that there is an absolute commitment for them to step up and invest more heavily in the event,” he added.

The WRC Promoter confirmed that he has already engaged existing local corporate partners to the Safari Rally including an integrated telecommunications service provider, a local bank and Kenya Airways among others, noting that “This is the future of the event and it's how we can commercialize it better.

"We think there’s a greater promotional opportunity in Kenya. We think that the already existing commercial partners can be better leveraged with the right commercial structure,” Larking explained.

He cited the telco, which has over 26 million subscribers in Kenya as an example of how deep the Safari Rally can penetrate the local market by enabling its content to be available on its platform.

Additionally, the Event Director noted, that the local bank has been a major partner for the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) and the Safari Rally itself for years and the financial institution could play a greater role in the development of the historic event within the WRC. These and other interested firms can be approached to rejuvenate rallying and motorsport beyond Safari Rally.

“You know I think it’s a fair comment to say that the national championship has suffered dramatically and what we need to see is a better and more dynamic organisation running Safari Rally which means that there will be resources all year round and sponsorship agreements that can be done.

“So, that when we come, the boom of rallying in this country doesn’t just spike around the WRC event, it's year-round and that’s the sort of thing that commercial partners and a commercial organisation can do better than a government department,” he stated.

Beyond Kenya, Larkin highlighted that the WRC Safari Rally could be an important tool for regional integration across East Africa and beyond, something the Promoter is keen to pursue in the next contract. “I mean it was our most watched WRC event last year with over 150 million viewers. We just need to make sure that the event keeps evolving and growing," he added.

“We wanted it to have a better impact in Kenya but we also want to have a better impact not just in Eastern Africa but in Africa as a whole. It’s an opportunity that we see for Kenya to project itself in a sporting world in the region."

As part of pushing the Safari Rally as a regional event, Larkin will request President Ruto to invite the heads of state from neighbouring countries to Kenya next year and have them get a drive in a Rally 1 car during the shakedown.

“We want to use our sport as a way to also bring people together. We want the event to be a little bit better marketed across the borders because we want the event to stand on its own two feet by bringing new money from across the border into Kenya.

“And we know that there’s a huge number of Ugandans here for example, we know we can bring a lot more fans from Rwanda, then there is Tanzania where there are a lot of fans who do come. We think we can increase that number exponentially.”

This year's edition was won by Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo Racing, extending Toyota's dominance in the Safari Rally despite the other podium places taken by defending champion Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak, both of Hyundai.

A Toyota Yaris WRC car in action at the Safari Rally. /WRC

Ahead of the official ceremonial start in Nairobi, drivers stood in solidarity with Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux, who was fined Ksh1.4 million (€10,000) as well as a suspended Ksh2.4million (€20,000) fine for swearing during a television interview at the conclusion of Rally Sweden in February; he dropped the F-word.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the world's premier motorsport governing body, moved to impose new rules to crack down on swearing words/inappropriate language in interviews. However, the drivers through their newly-formed body called the World Rally Drivers’ Alliance (WoRDA) have opposed them.

WRC drivers line up with the competition cars ahead of the 2025 season. /HANKOOK

In a statement as reported by DirtFish, WoRDA wrote "We all agree to keep rudeness at the microphone to a minimum. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a certain freedom of expression and to keep emotions alive while drivers don't need to be afraid of getting punished in any way."

The alliance revealed that it had pleaded with the President of the FIA for some positive changes in the rules to help them achieve this goal, a meeting that did not take place, leading to the protests in the form of boycotting the interviews.

During Wednesday’s shakedown at Sleeping Warrior near Lake Elementaita in Nakuru County, drivers either declined to comment or responded in their native languages to avoid addressing questions during stage-end interviews. This approach is expected to persist for the remainder of the event, which concludes on Sunday, March 23. 

"For the reasons explained in our statement, it is impossible for us to guarantee that we (Drivers and Co-drivers) will be able to follow these rules perfectly and systematically," the statement by WoRDA added.

"This is why we - WORDA Members - are now taking the responsible decision to remain silent at the end of the interviews or to answer in our mother tongue. In the interest of our sport, such action is unfortunately needed, and we apologize to all the rally fans, even though we know they support us in this."

FIA in response confirmed it will open dialogue with the alliance, with a spokesperson revealing to DirtFish that “The FIA, as with many other international sports governing bodies, maintains a code of conduct that sets out what we expect from drivers and their teams. Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are ambassadors for motorsport across the world.

“How drivers act at events really matters. The code’s purpose is to promote the best in sportsmanship and respect, this includes expectations around language which could be seen as offensive or inappropriate by the public. The rules and penalties are in line with those taken by our peer organisations in global sports championships.

The spokesperson recognized that it was crucial to assess situations on a case-by-case basis, but affirmed that unnecessary profanity should not be condoned and "does little to help promote and grow the sport with fans, sponsors, and partners."

“In line with a similar meeting held with Formula 1 drivers in Melbourne last weekend, Ronan Morgan, president of the Drivers Committee along with Petter Solberg, vice president of the Committee and Emilia Abel, junior road sports director are planning to discuss this matter and other topics with drivers after the Safari Rally Kenya," added the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Rovanpera emerged quickest in the 5.16km Sleeping Warrior stage at 4:34.5, enhancing his bid to retain the Safari Rally title. Following him in second was reigning WRC champion Thierry Neuville (4:36.1) of Hyundai in the cutthroat duel watched by hundreds of Kenyans who have already descended to the lakeside town of Naivasha and locations near Nakuru City to have a glimpse of the global motorsports spectacle.

Rovanpera indicated that the victory was a great morale booster to him and the Toyota team who are aiming to win the Safari Rally for the fourth year in a row. “This is one of those rallies where pace is not very important, you need to be technical. Also, luck will play a big role in this championship, so ideally, everyone has a chance to lift the rally,” Rovanpera underlined, adding “I prefer racing on mud rather than fesh-fesh, the fesh-fesh dust and sand always proves quite cumbersome for me.”

WRC 2025 commences on March 20 with an official flag-off that will take place outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and City Hall. City Hall Way was closed earlier this week to facilitate the opening ceremony.

In fresh changes, the Super Special Stage Kasarani head-to-head will run in reverse direction compared to previous years. Two cars will race side by side on the compact, mixed-surface track, setting the tone for the rally in front of thousands of spectators.

The action then moves to Naivasha and Nakuru counties with two new stages now included. According to organisers, Morendat Farm in Naivasha and Camp Moran have been included in the route of the competition with the iconic 32km Kedong stage cut down by half.

The team, which claimed to have played an important role in the return of the event in 2019, accused the Ministry of Sports of continuously neglecting its obligation to reimburse them by withholding their salaries, pending allowances, and gratuity.

They lamented that all efforts to get the Sports Ministry to address their concerns seemed to have been in vain, despite numerous appeals and requests for the ministry to pay the same.

President William Ruto flagging off the WRC Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 28, 2024. /PCS

"The individuals who have served tirelessly in organizing and executing the rally (2019-2023) have been left in a distressing situation due to the ministry's apparent disregard for their wellbeing.

"According to the Employment Act, Section 45(2) an employer is expected to provide valid reasons for termination, otherwise, it will be termed as unfair termination," the letter seen by Viral Tea read in part.

Section 35 states that every employee has the right to be given a Termination notice while Section 36 states that every employee has a right to be given payment in place of the notice.

They further complained that the alleged neglect has not only resulted in financial strain but has also inflicted severe mental anguish upon the ex-employees who are still awaiting their rightful dues.

They also lamented that the disregard for the welfare of the hardworking staff has not only caused financial strain but has also inflicted mental anguish on the former employees who were fired without notice.

"It is with great urgency that we call upon the H.E William Ruto to intervene and ensure that justice is served for these dedicated individuals. Their unwavering commitment and hard work should not go unrecognized, and it is imperative that the ministry upholds its responsibilities towards them," read the statement in part.

"We trust and hope that the President will work towards finding a swift resolution to alleviate the plight of the affected staff."

The former workers also deemed it imperative that the Ministry of Sports recognise the sacrifices and dedication of the Ex-WRC Safari Rally staff and act swiftly to address these grievous injuries.

"The onus now rests on your esteemed office to right this wrong and restore faith in the system," they added.

They also expressed that with Ruto's intervention, the suffering of the individuals would be alleviated as well as the Head of State's reaffirmation of his commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens.

Neither Ruto nor the Ministry of Sports under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba had yet to issue an official response by the time of publishing this article.

The Safari Rally, an international sport and part of the annual WRC calendar, made a grand return in 2021 after enduring a hiatus of nearly 20 years. The event had last taken place in 2002.

The first Safari Rally took place in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and gradually grew into a championship that has seen the world's best rallying talent compete on the world's toughest rally.

Rovanpera claimed his second Safari Rally title, having won the 2022 Safari Rally by 6.7 seconds. The reigning WRC champion, alongside his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, tackled all 19 stages of the rally with 3.36.04.0.

"It's always special; this event is incredibly tough. It holds legendary status for Toyota, as we've consistently performed well here.

"As they say in Africa, the leading car is always a Toyota! We executed our plan well, drove smart, and I'm deeply grateful to the team for their unwavering support," he told the media moments after clinching the win.

2024 WRC Safari Rally winner, Kalle Rovanpera. /KALLE ROVANPERA

His teammate, Takamoto Katsuta finished second with 3.37.41.8. Ford M Sport's Adrien Fourmaux finished 3rd with 3.38.29.1, breaking Toyota's 1-2-3 podium winning streak for the first time since 2022.

"I'm absolutely thrilled. My sincere congratulations to the team for ensuring flawless car performance throughout the event. This podium is a testament to their hard work," Fourmaux appreciated his team for the flawless performance put in the rally.

Toyota's Elfyn Evans finished fourth with 3.40.24.2 while Hyundai's lead driver, Thierry Neuville completed the top five with 3.46.21.5.

Rovanpera was fast and faultless through Kenya’s 19 stages, which are renowned as the toughest on the WRC calendar.

The 2022 Kenya winner judged the rough gravel conditions to perfection, ending the rally as the only Rally1 driver to complete the event without suffering any major delays.

Following his success, Rovanpera has added 20 points to his tally for the season, bringing his total to 31 points and elevating him to fifth place in the standings.

The Defining Moment

The Finn’s victory was set up by a perfect Friday where Rovanpera won all six tests to open up a 56.9s lead.

His advantage increased to more than two minutes after a chaotic Saturday as each of his rivals battled through accidents, punctures or mechanical issues.

After banking 18 points for his efforts on Saturday, this afforded Rovanpera the ability to cruise through Sunday’s six stages to seal a 12th career WRC victory in one of the driest Safari Rallys in recent memory. The success was Toyota’s first of the season.

Like Rovanpera, Katsuta adopted a cautious approach knowing the attritional nature of Kenya’s roads. The Japanese driver ended Friday in third overall before his progress was halted by front and rear-right punctures picked up in the Sleeping Warrior stage on Saturday morning.

However, issues for rivals Neuville and Evans meant he climbed to second where he would remain at the finish despite suffering a puncture in Sunday’s stage 14. The result equalled his best career WRC finish achieved in Kenya in 2021.

M-Sport’s Fourmaux also matched his best WRC result, recorded in Sweden, courtesy of a smart and trouble-free drive.

The Frenchman benefitted from rivals hitting trouble but delivered an impressive performance, the only issue being a front-left puncture on stage 14.

Back-to-back podiums and fourth on Sunday maintained his position in third in the championship. Accumulating 17 points over the weekend, Fourmaux has now amassed 46 points for the season with nine more rallies remaining.

His resurgence is likely to pose a threat to the Toyota duo of Rovanpera and Evans as the season progresses.

Title contender Evans brought his Toyota GR Yaris home in fourth [+4m20.2s] after an eventful four days. The Welshman was firmly in the podium fight before four punctures on Saturday pushed him down to fourth earning him 10 points.

Evans pushed hard on Sunday but could only finish third in the Super Sunday classification, securing five bonus points on top of another one clinched in the Power Stage.

Neuville finished fifth [+10m17.5s] after enduring a challenging rally impacted by punctures and reliability issues.

A puncture on stage three threatened his Safari Rally campaign before he climbed back to second when Evans and Katsuta suffered tyre failures. The Belgian soon plummeted back down to fifth at the end of Saturday after losing more than 10 minutes to a fuel system issue in his i20 N. 

Neuville fought back on Sunday, despite damaging his right-rear suspension on a rock in stage 16, to finish second in the Super Sunday standings and take six points on top of the eight earned at the end of Saturday.

A Power Stage win meant he extended his championship lead over Evans to six points.

The incident happened when one of the cars competing in the rally almost ran over them, who were standing by the roadside.

The driver who was cruising at high speed was filmed driving dangerously close to two individuals after advancing from a corner.

The two marshals were however perplexed on which direction the speeding vehicle would take. One of them sprinted through the road to get to the other side in a bid to escape but was almost run over by the car.

However, the driver managed to recollect his bearings and skidded to avoid hitting the marshal. The other aide ended up in a thicket having missed being hit by the car by inches.

CS Namwamba, in a cheeky statement directed at the driver in question, wrote “Ease ease, Charlie, those are my Stewards there!"

As mentioned earlier, this is the second incident during the event to occur whereby both marshals and spectators have escaped death narrowly.

On Saturday, a spectator escaped an accident by a whisker after one of the participating cars encountered a muddy section which veered it off course.

The incident was captured in a video making rounds on social media where the car belonging to Toyota Gazoo Racing was drifting into the slightly muddy terrain and through a puddle of water.

Much to the cheers of the crowd, the driver appeared to have struggled to drift back onto the course to continue his run, sliding into the watching crowd which scattered when it was near them.

A woman however appeared to hesitate as the rest of the spectators took off, with her swift instinct making her dive towards the ground seemingly to avoid the car which reacted in time, missing her and recollecting its path as it drove off.

Here is the video:

Ease ease Charlie, those are my Stewards there! ##WRCSafariRally2024 pic.twitter.com/tHeCIHbCgI

— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH

The incident was captured in a video making rounds on social media where the car belonging to Toyota Gazoo Racing was drifting into the slightly muddy terrain and through a puddle of water.

Much to the cheers of the crowd, the driver appeared to have struggled to drift back onto the course to continue his run, sliding into the watching crowd which scattered when it was near them.

A woman however appeared to hesitate as the rest of the spectators took off, with her swift instinct making her dive towards the ground seemingly to avoid the car which reacted in time, missing her and recollecting its path as it drove off.

Here is the video:

Spectator escapes being run over by one of the rally cars which veered off course into a group of fans following the #WRCSafariRally2024 from the sidelines#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/zbIer8GFjB

— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) March 30, 2024

The crowd nonetheless cheered loudly as the rally car continued with its run, appearing to forget the near-death experience that befell one of their own.

Many regulations will need to be followed and common sense as well as rules call for total obedience to the guidelines set by organizers.

Any areas marked as No-Go Zones should be avoided at all costs. Even though the Safari Rally thrills many and is perfect for raising adrenaline, disobeying this specific rule can lead to life-threatening consequences as the competing WRC cars travel at an extremely high speed.

There are marked spectator zones where rally enthusiasts enjoy the show. Whichever spectator zone you choose to stand in, make sure there is enough space to move freely as a few off-route movements are expected.

Most of these zones are sharp, dusty bends, so expect to breathe in some of the dust particles. It is therefore advisable to have a pair of glasses, a cap, and a mask to shield off dust and particles.

To watch the competition, choose elevated grounds or stand behind solid obstacles. Avoid areas like the inner parts of a curve as well as standing in front of trees, houses, or impassable obstacles.

The WRC rally cars have struggled under treacherous African conditions this year, compounded by the heavy rains witnessed across the country. Toyota and Hyundai have been the teams most affected by the conditions so far.

Elfyn Evans became the latest victim of the Safari Rally's unforgiving nature as he sunk from second to fifth overall after he was forced to stop and change a wheel during Saturday’s opening stage at Soysambu.

The Welshman, who had trailed his rally-leading Toyota team-mate Kalle Rovanperä by almost one minute overnight, pulled over 12.7km into the 29.32km stage to swap the rear-left wheel on his GR Yaris Rally1.

In doing so he lost almost two minutes, slipping to fifth while his closest championship rival Thierry Neuville – who topped the points standings coming into this rally – climbed to third in his Hyundai i20 N.

Toyota's Takamoto Katsuta inherited second overall while Rovanperä remained in the lead with a 55.6s cushion.

Toyota's Takamoto Katsuta in action during the WRC Safari Rally on March 30, 2024. /WRC

This is something Hyundai's Belgian driver Thierry Neuville knows very well given how the Safari edition has been unkind to him in recent years.

On Friday, March 29, he lost an overnight lead from the opening 4.84km Kasarani Super Special Stage in Nairobi after his rear-right tyre suffered a puncture which damaged most of his rear wing in Kedong, Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The extent of the damage according to photos which went viral on social media reminds one how brutal the Safari Rally continues to be on both local and international drivers, but what was remarkable was how fast it was repaired to make it look like it just came from a car showroom.

Video courtesy of Nation:

A nearly-four-minute video shared by the Nation Media Group (NMG) showed Neuville's Hyundai being attended to by more than 10 mechanics who worked with one eye on the clock to ensure that the car was ready for the Saturday and Sunday stages.

To be specific, it took 39 minutes and 30 seconds to complete the repairs, with only 22 seconds left on the clock.

It turns out that what would take an ordinary mechanic months and thousands of shillings spent on car parts to repair a damage similar to Neuville's takes up to 45 minutes and this is according to the competition's strict regulations on servicing of car.

According to WRC, competitors visit the service park at pre-determined times to allow team technicians to perform mechanical work on their cars. There are usually three service sessions in a day:

• An initial 15-minute visit in the morning before the opening stage
• A 40-minute session midway through a day’s competition
• An end-of-day session lasting 45 minutes in which cars are re-prepared for the following day

Service is tightly governed and time penalties are applied if a competitor exceeds the allotted time in service. At the end of each day’s competition, cars are held in a secure parc fermé (closed park) overnight, securely guarded, with no access for team members or competitors.

Outside of the service park, only a driver and co-driver can work on their car, using only tools and spare parts carried onboard.

During repairs, the mechanics work in synchronization and have to be well-trained to beat the tight deadlines, and as they work, marshals from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) are present in the service tests and keenly monitor everything.

There are limits on what one can and cannot repair. If a rally car suffers structural damage, there’s no welding it back together and hoping, a driver has to retire.

There are also limits on the number of supplies. For example, even if one wanted to bring a lot of tyres, you are only allowed to use a certain number per rally (which differs for each event, typically something around 20 tyres per car).

Moreover, the cars are cleaned after the event, a process done at every service because a dirty rally car can cover up overlooked damages which can hamper the car's performance during a competition. It's not just about looking appealing to the public eye.

What Are Rally Cars Made Of?

Rally cars are normal cars which are stripped down to the bone. The chassis is fitted with a hollow outer shell that is strengthened and reinforced to take the beating of rally sections and are also much more lightweight than normal cars, thus can go at faster speeds on all kinds of terrain.

What's more, they have roll cages for extra safety so that drivers are not injured in the event of an accident.

This year, Rally 1 cars used in the main WRC class feature both a traditional turbocharged combustion engine with 1600 cubic centimetres and an electric motor providing extra power during accelerations, provided there is energy in the battery. The battery charges when the driver brakes and during service.

In addition to the extra power, electric drive is also used during service park driving and at certain selected parts of transit stages, mainly through communities. A completely fossil-free fuel is used for the combustion engine, standardized for all competitors.

In 2024, three manufacturers participate in the WRC class with Rally1 cars – Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota.

According to the report submitted by the FIA Deputy Technical Delegate, the two drivers were found to carry two spare tyres produced by Dunlop, which is not the FIA-nominated tyre company instead of Pirelli an FIA partner.

FIA directed the drivers to pay the fine within 48 hours of the notification or risk suspension for the period they will not have paid the fine.

President William Ruto flagging off the WRC Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 28, 2024. /PCS

The report indicated that the team manager had confessed that the team was at fault and had forgotten to check the spare tyres before the start of the rally.

One of the drivers had indicated that these tyres were not used in SS1- Super Special Kasarani and on the road section to TC1A.

The report however stated that the stewards considered that it was the driver’s responsibility to ensure throughout the competition that all tyres used are from the FIA nominated tyre company, which in this case is Pirelli.

"Although the spares in question were not actually used either in the road section or in the special stage, there is still a breach of the regulations. For this reason, the Stewards find the above fine to be appropriate in this case," read the report in part.

The duo was reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions by FIA per Article 15 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code.

Meanwhile, a dramatic morning session on Friday saw two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä claiming a clean sweep of stage wins to propel Team Toyota Gazoo Racing into the lead in the Safari Rally.

However, he ended the day’s opening Loldia test appearing visibly frustrated, complaining of excessive understeer despite posting the benchmark time.

“I don’t want to say any really bad words, but it was horrible,” said Rovanpera, adding “The car is understeering so much, I don’t understand how we can do any time at this stage. We need to improve.”   

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville who led in the opening 4.84km Kasarani Super Special Stage in Nairobi slipped down the pecking order after his rear-right tyre suffered a puncture which damaged most of his rear wing.

From here, the action moves to Naivasha from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 31 promising an exhilarating blend of high-speed competition and challenging terrains.

The event, which is the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is expected to be test of endurance for both participants and spectators.

However, the WRC drivers and spectators won't be so happy to know that the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an alert for potential rainfall over the rally weekend, coming after different parts of the country, including Nairobi, witnessed heavy rainfall.

Map showing weather forecast over Kenya between March 27, 2024 and April 3, 2024. /KENYA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

"Participants & spectators at the Naivasha #WRCSafariRally2024 should be prepared for potential rainfall over the weekend, with intermittent sunny intervals likely.

"Keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly will ensure a smooth experience despite the rain," the weatherman stated in part.

The rainfall thus adds an extra layer of unpredictability in terms of weather patterns during the rally, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping an eye on the weather forecast as well as preparing and packing accordingly.

The Kenyan leg of the WRC Safari Rally takes drivers through some of Africa's most treacherous landscapes in courses expected to challenge competitors' skill and grit with its mix of mud, rocks, sand, and daunting water crossings, making it a true adventure.

UK sports media outlets Sky Sports News and BBC Sport reported on the news and suggested that formal confirmation could come as early as Thursday, February 1, with US-based ESPN citing sources within Formula 1 as saying the deal was “as good as done.”

Autosport, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport and other media are among other outlets who reported on the 39-year-old's rumoured move to Scuderia Ferrari which holds the record for the most constructor championships in F1 at 16, despite their last win coming in 2008.

The team also holds the record for the most Drivers' Championships with 15, won by nine different drivers: Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, John Surtees, Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen, most of whom Kenyans who have watched the motorsport over the years have known them for.

Lewis Hamilton checking on a Ferrari car during a Formula One race event. /MALTA TODAY

While neither Mercedes nor Ferrari were yet to issue an official statement on the developments by the time of publishing this article, the move would come as a surprise given that Hamilton has signed a two-year contract with his current team Mercedes for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, but the deal reportedly contains a clause allowing him to leave after one season.

WRC indicated that the change to the Safari Rally dates is a significant one as it moves back to the traditional Easter holiday weekend date for the first time in 26 years.

The Safari Rally will be held between March 28-31, 2024 in Nairobi and Naivasha, according to the calendar which was released by the Federation Internationale de I’ Automobile (FIA) World Motorsports Council.

Ogier on Sunday, June 25 won the 2023 edition, dethroning reigning World Rally Championship (WRC) champion, Kalle Rovanpera who won last year's (2022) Safari Rally by 6.7 seconds.

Meanwhile, Toyota Gazoo Racing secured a second consecutive 1-2-3-4 finish in the Safari Rally after Elfyn Evans completed the podium ahead of Takamoto Katsuta, continuing its historic run set in 2022 for the first time since 1993.

Toyota secured a 1-2-3-4 finish in the 2023 Safari Rally. /TWITTER.TOYOTA GAZOO RACING

Before 2022, only once in nearly 30 years has any other manufacturer accomplished the same feat in the championship, cementing the leg in the Toyota team's Hall of Fame.

The driver sustained injuries in the ongoing World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Naivasha after crashing at a high-speed section in the last phase of the race.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta Rally 2, who was competing in the second leg of the rally, sustained injuries but was stable and attended to by doctors.

A scene of an accident in Nakuru where a Safari Rally driver was on Saturday, June 24, 2023, evacuated. /TWITTER.MIKE GITONGA

Photos seen by Viral Tea showed the paramedics rushing to the driver's aid next to the rally car from a nearby ambulance, with a helicopter landing in the middle of the busy road to airlift him to the hospital.

"Expect a major gridlock on Naivasha Road. The driver has been injured but is stable

"Accident along Naivasha Road, medics are on site. Expect a major gridlock as the chopper has had to land on the highway," Gitonga stated in multiple tweets.

A source privy to the matter told Viral Tea that the driver, George Vassilakis, was injured in an accident along the Naivasha-Nakuru Highway as the WRC2 car was driving back to the service park.

"He has been evacuated and is in stable condition. Discussions about the safety of rally cars as they drive back to the Service Park through traffic have emerged," stated the source.

The driver crashed between Kikopei and Gilgil, a stretch known to pose difficulties among rally drivers. He was driving along the Elementeita-Nakuru stretch of the rally route before Gilgil town when he lost control and crashed. 

The Safari Rally is termed the toughest in the entire WRC circuit, thus it is not uncommon for crashes that at times, injure drivers.

The seventh round of the WRC began on Thursday, June 22 and will conclude on Sunday, June 25 between the cities of Nairobi and Nakuru. It was contested over 19 stages covering a total competitive distance of 356.98 kilometres.

The terrains consisted of gravel, tarmac, and dirt, among others, and alongside an unpredictable weather pattern that can turn dusty roads into mud, this is one rally that has proved to be a major challenge to even the best of drivers.

In addition, the world's best drivers also had to contend with huge crowds who braved the cold and rainy weather to watch them do battle against each other in their quest for the WRC world title.

Sebastien Ogier, who won the Safari Rally in 2021, maintained the lead at the end of the Saturday proceedings and will go into the final day expecting to spearhead the Toyota charge to a 1-2-3-4 finish for the second successive year.

Sebastien Ogier in action in a muddy Sleeping Warrior stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023. /WRC.COM

Since the Safari Rally made its return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit in 2021 for the first time in 18 years, the whole country has mainly been brought to a standstill by a motorsport event that thousands of enthusiasts have followed in Kenya for two years running now and watched by billions worldwide.

From Thika Road To Kasarani

My day begins pretty much like this; a trek down Thika Road all the way to Kasarani where it looks like traffic along the busy highway heading to Roysambu looks pretty normal, until the first rally car driven by our local driver zooms slowly past me on my way there, on foot.

Then, police close the main road entirely, leaving just the service lane open to all manner of traffic.

Just looking at the time on my phone along the way was enough to let me know that I needed to get to the venue of the Kasarani Super Special Stage (SSS) by at the very least, 2 pm, as the stage was to start five minutes later.

This meant that I had to frantically jog past the popular entrance of Garden City to at least get to the Safari Park bridge.

Meanwhile, the drivers nearly kilometres away into the city were being flagged off by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Uhuru Park, who stood in place of President William Ruto as he is currently out of the country on official duties.

A two-minute interval was enough to buy me a bit of time as I continued, still on foot, to the venue.

I got to the bridge on time just to see one of the WRC cars belonging to team M-Sport Ford glide past me on its way, protected by a contingent of several police officers who at the same time were happy to direct fans on how to get to the purpose-built stage on the edge of Nairobi.

I witnessed two rally cars pull to the side, both from Toyota and Hyundai, and their drivers step out of their vehicles. My first thought was to stop by and inquire from a police officer standing guard the reason for the little pit-stop but it would mean that I'd be later than usual or would get a not-so-convincing answer.

My thought when I was approaching the venue was "It's not that far", owing to the cross-checks I did on the venue on Google Maps before I left the house. I was...almost mistaken.

Right in front of the fence surrounding Kasarani Stadium was a whole trip down and up slopes and boulders to where the main action took place. I was not alone.

The Super Special Stage

Thousands of fans were accompanying me and were heading in the same direction I was. President Ruto at one point mentioned how difficult it would be to get Kenyans to work at that time, meaning it was foolish for anyone to underestimate the sheer fanbase in motorsports, especially, at an event which before 2021, the last time we heard of it was from our parents and those in their 30s.

The scenery at the Kasarani Super Special Stage on June 22, 2023. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRALTEAKE

After nearly 18,000 steps from Thika Road to Kasarani, here I was. Just in time for our local drivers to show an enthusiastic crowd that consisted of primary school pupils in uniform what they have been practising for a very long time.

For those who've not been to this point yet, hear it from me...it is as close as you will ever get to seeing particles of dust get near your face thanks to the rally cars zooming past you, trying to outcompete each other.

In this stage, two cars go head-to-head, travelling at speeds that even shocked the President at the shakedown. It's like a race duel, beat your opponent on the 4.8km circuit on a custom-built track and set the fastest time going into the main event in Naivasha.

Two highlights stood out for me at the time; a helicopter which was hovering almost metres above ground to film the drivers in action and me standing next to school children who happily cheered as the cars dashed past us, leaving behind a trail of dust.

I was particularly impressed by Estonian Ott Tänak's driving that day, and I would be vindicated as he achieved a flying start with a win on the opening stage, continuing his push for a first-ever victory on African soil.

The 2019 World Rally Champion beat Frenchman Sebastien Ogier by a mere 0.1 seconds through the scintillating 4.84-kilometre speed test.

Defending Safari champion Kalle Rovanpera came through the twin-track test 2.4 seconds behind the leader, incidentally on the same stage where he almost rolled his GR Yaris Rally1 hybrid marque in 2022.

Tänak is looking to break Toyota’s stranglehold of success in Kenya where his bid for the coveted Safari title remains elusive on two attempts since his 2021 debut.

Kenyan Rally Drivers At Home

After the real pros took to the field, it was time for the local drivers to impress in front of the home crowd, mainly dominated by Mitsubishi Evolution 10s, but there were a few Ford Fiestas and a Skoda Fabia.

Carl "Flash" Tundo was the best-placed Kenyan driver on the stage at number 17, 26.1 seconds behind Tanak, while Aakif Virani (20), McRae Kimathi (21), Karan Patel (23), Hamza Anwar (24), Evans Nzioka (26) and Jeremy Wahome (27), among others, followed in that order.

I check my watch. 4.20 pm is the time and the action was done for the day. Satisfied with the once-a-year experience and some few photos and videos taken with my phone, it was time to head back home.

But before I left the venue, I stumbled upon the following small band who decided to entertain motorsports enthusiasts out of the blue. Here is the video:

I have to say, this little band at the #WRCSafariRally Kasarani stage made my day! pic.twitter.com/vEjhxSA8gE

— Marvin Chege (@marvin_chege10) June 22, 2023

The Head of State donned his Kaunda suit for the flagging off of the event which is marking 70 years since it was held way back in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Afterwards, he switched to the race suit made just for him as he stepped into his second rally car in less than two weeks, this time around the hybrid Rally1 car belonging to Ford M-Sport with an electric blue and pink livery, different from its popular purple colours from last season (2022).

The car, in a video seen by Viral Tea, could be seen reversing to a clearing before accelerating for a few metres in full view of journalists and other guests who did not mind the ear-splitting sound usually stemming from the car's exhaust.

Here's the video courtesy of Citizen TV:

President Ruto has a feel of a rally car at WRC Safari Rally 2023 Shakedown in Naivasha pic.twitter.com/lgvXDinsop

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 21, 2023

"I don't know whether I'm going to do a ride or I'm going to drive it...I want to try on the wheel itself. 

"It's different. I've always watched the Safari Rally as a spectator, I haven't gotten the feel of being inside the rally car. I think it's a great experience and I'm looking forward to it," Ruto told journalists before the ride.

Features of Ruto's Racing Suit

The suit that Ruto wore is a homologated racing suit, an overall custom-made for every driver and co-driver, and each team creates its own design. At the same time, the overalls have to conform to the stringent standards of the FIA (International Automobile Federation), for things like fire resistance.

The same is true for shirts, trousers, balaclavas, gloves and helmets. Each piece of equipment is fitted with a homologation tag, which is checked during the technical inspection, meaning, without it, you cannot take part in any rally.

The crew must wear fire-resistant underwear for the whole duration of the rally. One of the teams has each crew member bearing four sets of overalls for rallies and three more for testing.

The helmet also includes headphones and microphones, which transmit voices and eliminate other sounds, so the crew members can hear each other.

The gloves are the same right across the team, that is, all crews use the same type and design, with only the sizes varying.

President William Ruto enjoyed a hearty laugh with one of the rally drivers at the shakedown in Naivasha. /TWITTER.MUTUA LOYD

The shoes are the personal choice of every crew member, but primarily the drivers. There are differences in the hardness of the soles and how they are tied, with some preferring classic laces, and others preferring a special tightening disc.

“Generally, the soles of racing shoes are very soft so we get the best possible feel of the pedals. But the material of the entire shoe varies. The ones I wear are made from soft leather, and they are probably the best and most expensive ones available today.

"I like the fact that the material is very soft, so they’re a nice snug fit without being too tight. The disadvantage is that the leather stretches after a few races and even the little disc can’t tighten them properly after that. I get through at least two racing pairs a year,” world champion and multiple Czech champion Jan Kopecký told RallySportMag.com in a 2020 interview.

10 top-tier Rally1 hybrid vehicles and 11 WRC2 competitors are on the entry list for this year. The list also features the Kenyan trio of McRae Kimathi, Jeremiah Wahome, and Hamza Anwar, who make up the five-person WRC3 line-up. 

Four Kenyan drivers are listed in the national category: Josiah Kariuki (Subaru), Minesh Rathod, and Evans Kavisi (all representing a local bank's team).

Reigning WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera, also the reigning champion in the Safari Rally will renew his rivalry with Sébastien Ogier (France), who won in 2021. Rovanpera goes into the official flag-off on Thursday, June 22, having led in the shakedown.

President William Ruto with Nakuru Governor, Susan Kihika during the WRC Safari Rally shakedown in Naivasha on June 21, 2023. /TWITTER.MUTUA LOYD

In the 2023/24 budget presented by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u in Parliament, the sports docket was allocated Ksh9.4 billion less than the 2022/23 budget, the last under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which saw sports given Ksh15.8 billion.

“We will also strengthen mainstreaming of Arts and Culture infrastructure and support cultural production and creative economy. We are also cognisance of the brand value of Kenyans participating and excelling in the international sports arena as of ultimate importance for us.

“To support tourism, sports, culture and recreation, I propose to the National Assembly to effect the budget allocation of Ksh12.5 billion, this includes an allocation of Ksh6.4 billion under the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund,” CS Ndung'u stated in his three-hour speech in Parliament.

The budget cuts could have been necessitated by the announcement of President Ruto that the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund will not fund other sectors as it has done before such as health.

The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund was created to enable the government through the Ministry of Sports to support national teams to compete in international events.

Kenya is now a week away from hosting the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally between June 22-25, 2023, with the Head of State allocating Ksh1.5 billion to support the event, which was launched on Friday, June 9 at State House, Nairobi.

The country will also be expected to compete in events such as the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, the Africa Beach Games in Tunisia the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy set for Nairobi, Commonwealth Youth Games slated for Trinidad and Tobago among others.

On Tuesday, June 13, Ruto awarded athlete Faith Kipyegon for breaking two world records in Florence Diamond League (Florence, Italy), and Wanda Diamond League (Paris).

"For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Ksh5 million.

"She has won and broken two world records in 1,500 meters and 5,000 metres. The government of Kenya is going to award her Ksh5 million for one record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh6 million," Ruto added.

The Head of State noted that the reward is part of a new scheme that will see athletes rewarded for exemplary performances.

"I have also asked the ministry that the government of Kenya should review the reward scheme so that we can recognise and reward appropriately the men and women who attain excellence in sports, arts, and creative economy. 

"And going forward we have decided as the government of Kenya that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and breaks a world record, unlike in the past, when there was no recognition, going forward, for every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award five million shillings," he added.

Termed the toughest rally in the WRC calendar, the Safari Rally will see various motorsport teams face off against each other while battling a race known for its unpredictability; weather that can change at any moment, wild animals crossing out of nowhere and copious amounts of dust known as fesh fesh, which in 2022 brought even the most experienced drivers to its knees.

With fears of a repeat of the 'fesh fesh' battle that crippled cars, pushing them to the extreme, and in some instances even cancelled parts of stages, teams will have a mountain of homework on their hands to tailor their cars to deal with the Kenyan wilderness.

In particular, both teams Hyundai and M-Sport Ford will have to work hard to wrestle the Safari Rally title from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team, which in 2022 claimed all the top four positions and was won by reigning WRC champion, Kalle Rovanpera. Toyota had won the 2021 edition among 10 other wins at this stage.

The WRC Rally1 cars on show ahead of the 2023 season. /WRC.COM

At State House, Nairobi, Ruto managed to fit through the vehicle's roll cages and had a hard time wearing his seatbelt before he was assisted by rally legend, Carl 'Flash' Tundo to strap in.

An elated Head of State could be seen giving a thumbs-up as Tundo got into the driver's seat and revved the rally car, a Subaru Impreza, which rode along the cabro roadways surrounding State House and around the building.

State House is currently the venue of the unveiling of the 70th Anniversary of the Safari Rally and the Launch of the Sports and Creative Economy Plan.

Here's the video:

President Ruto presides over launch of sports and creative economy master plan ahead of WRC Safari Rally. #WRCSafariRally2023 #KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/pPyzJWnFn7

— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) June 9, 2023

The WRC Safari Rally is set to take place in the country from Thursday, June 22 to Sunday, June 25, with the flag-off point moved to the refurbished Uhuru Park from its traditional point at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Uhuru Drives Safari Rally Car

In comparison, former President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 17, 2021, drove a Safari Rally car around State House ahead of the Safari Rally, which was at the time returning to the WRC worldwide circuit for the first time in 18 years.

He chose a modified Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) car, which has become popular for its speed and is not new to the game as it was introduced more than 60 years ago.

Its rally team will seek to defend its crown in arguably the world's toughest rally after scooping all top 4 positions in 2022. Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier - winners of the previous two editions - both field Toyota GR Yaris cars along with Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, the Japanese star twice a podium finisher in Kenya.  

The Safari Rally will mark 70 years since it was held all the way back in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Coincidentally, the 2023 Safari Rally will take place on the same year King Charles III, who succeeded her, was coronated.

Ruto Records Talanta Hela Song

The High Court on Thursday, March 30 ordered rally driver Wahome to be released on a bond of Ksh2 million and a surety of the same amount.

Lady Justice Lilian Mutende further directed Wahome who is accused of the murder of her boyfriend Asad Khan not to interfere with witnesses who have already recorded their statements.

The decision comes after weeks of court proceedings and marks a significant development in the case.

On Tuesday, March 28, a probation officer recommended that Wahome be set free on bail pending trial over the murder of her boyfriend Asad Khan.

On Tuesday, March 28, a probation officer recommended that Wahome be set free on bail pending trial over the murder of her boyfriend Asad Khan.

The probation officer, M Abima, in her pre-bail report presented to High Court Judge Lillian Mutende, argued that Wahome is of good character, has no criminal history and has no capacity to interfere with witnesses.

“In view of the sentiments expressed by all parties and in regard to the information provided, the court may grant bail or bond to the accused with stringent measures aimed at protecting the safety and emotional well-being of the victims,” stated Abima.

The report went on to state that the reigning national junior rally champion is of youthful age and a sportsperson representing the country locally, regionally and internationally, and cannot be a flight risk.

It added that she acknowledges the seriousness of the offence and the attendant sentence if found guilty and that she will attend the trial to its logical conclusion and abide by any additional court orders if released.

Abima further noted that despite the victims’ family being opposed to her release on bail, they have not received any threats so far from the accused or her proxies.

Justice Mutende had previously directed the probation office to file the pre-bail report before making a determination whether to release Wahome who has been in custody for three weeks after being charged with the murder of Khan.

The prosecution and Khan’s family had opposed her application to be released on bail, arguing that she did not take care of the deceased after the injury that led to his death, and refused to visit him in the hospital or attend his funeral.

They also claimed that Wahome is likely to interfere with witnesses and the victims who are still aggrieved by the loss of their loved one. Justice Mutende will make a ruling on the bail application on Wednesday, March 29.

While pleading not guilty to charges of killing Asad on Wednesday, March 15, Wahome alleged that Asad had injured himself and she was falsely accused of the crime.

While pleading not guilty to charges of killing Asad on Wednesday, March 15, Wahome alleged that Asad had injured himself and she was falsely accused of the crime.

She appeared virtually for the court session after lawyer Phillip Murgor, who is representing Wahome's family, withdrew the application seeking a physical court appearance.

The rally star narrated the events that led to her arrest on December 12, stating that she was arrested by the Kilimani Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) due to an incident that occurred at Preston Apartments on Oloitoktok Road, where she resided with Asad.

She alleged that on the day of the incident, Khan woke her up violently and ordered her to leave his house, adding that she was allegedly attacked in the process and forced to seek refuge on the balcony of the apartment.

She claimed that the deceased attempted to break down the door using his feet and injured himself on the balcony door window panes. Khan then rushed himself to the hospital with Wahome being advised by her parents not to leave the house and wait for the police.

Murgor argued that his client had been in custody since March 7 and that a charge sheet was filed but not provided to her.

He further added that his client should be released on bail, as there was no threat to peace, security, or her own safety, either by the family of the deceased or any member of the public, despite the court yet to make a ruling on the bail application.

Wahome also stated that she would attend all court sessions without fail and would not interfere with witnesses who will testify in the murder case.

Justice Lilian Mutende had allowed a request by Assistant Director of DPP Gikui Gichuhi to order a mental assessment before her murder charge the following day.

WRC Safari Rally revealed in a press release that it had disassociated itself from Wahome, who is in the global spotlight over the death of her boyfriend, Asad Khan.

The 26-year-old top female rally driver who became the first woman to win the WRC3 rally in Naivasha in June 2022, was locked out of the Young Rally Stars Programme to allow for room to handle the court case.

Maxine Wahome inside a rally car. /THE STAR

“Following the recent legal developments concerning Maxine Wahome, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya has decided to release Maxine from further engagements in the Young Rally Stars program to deal with the legal developments,” read the presser.

The FIA Rally Star Programme is a global initiative that aims to identify, train and develop talented young drivers between 17-27 years. Wahome was included in the programme in June 2022 following her exploits in the 2022 WRC Safari Rally.

The WRC organising committee on Thursday, March 2 inspected the starting point of the world-famous championship with the expectation of more spectators at the highly anticipated global event.

Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba stated that event will be used to popularise Uhuru Park and Central Park with the rally planned to be staged within the two heritage places.

“We are celebrating efforts made in conserving special sites and both Uhuru and Central Parks provide very special reference points and we shall have our outstanding athletic legends like Kipchoge (Keino) and Eliud (Kipchoge) among other to be part of the heritage festivities,” he noted.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, flanked by Safari rally Organising Committee chairman Carl Tundo, briefs the media after touring the Naivasha Service Park of the WRC Safari Rally on March 02, 2023. /DAILY NATION

He added that thousands of people are expected to show up for the rally, which is also expected to be shown live to 2 billion audiences across the world, translating to about 500 million households, meaning the TV coverage that will be focused on Kenya at the time will be immense.

In addition, CS Namwamba stated that there will be an infusion of arts, music, and fashion in a designated village dubbed the 'Hustler Bazaar', at the starting points of both parks.

"We are providing spaces for you to get a piece of the pie that the WRC Safari Rally is. So we are telling Kenyans to please get ready in three months, we want you to be part of this fun," the CS said.

"Artists, if you are musicians, a painter, a comedian or you do visual art, we are going to provide a space for you to be part of the sherehe celebrating the Kenyan heritage."

The 'Hustler Bazaar' will also be prominent in Naivasha, where the real action of the Safari Rally will also be held, with a "strong hustler feel" expected at Kendong viewing point among other places, yet to be announced.

Namwamba further announced that the Ministry of Sports would set up special points for screening the rally so Kenyans across the country can be accommodated, as well as bazaars at those points to boost businesses.

"Working with governors we hope to set up special screening points where you can be able to be part of that whole experience," he added.

"It is all part of our Talanta Hela initiative where we want to use sports and arts to put money in the pockets of our people."

The CS expressed his desire to incorporate the global sports event with a Kenyan flavour in line with the government's bottom-up economic transformation agenda and assured ordinary traders of enjoying brisk business during the WRC event.

He was accompanied by WRC Safari Rally Organising Committee chairman Carl “Flash” Tundo and CEO Phineas Kimathi, among others.

The Safari Rally will mark 70 years since it was held all the way back in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Coincidentally, the 2023 Safari Rally will take place on the same year King Charles III, who succeeded her, will be coronated.

The event that made its comeback in 2021 has been a cash cow for traders who reap big from plying their trade to motorsports enthusiatists among others who grace the event that has been held at the end of June across Nairobi and Naivasha towns.

It is worth it to note that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on September 27, 2022 clarified that Kenyans will access both the Uhuru and Central Parks free of charge. The only exception was the Nairobi Festival where Kenyans were charged to access the event held in December 2022.

The 2023 WRC Safari Rally will be President William Ruto's first experience of the international rally tour since being sworn in on September 13, 2022. 

Inside the refurbished Uhuru Park in Nairobi. /NMS

The investigating officer told a Nairobi court on Monday, January 30 that a file into the probe was forwarded to the DPP for further recommendation after the inquest into the rally driver's demise was complete.

Wahome was arraigned in court under a miscellaneous application and was not charged with an offence.

“I am still looking for a response from the office of the DPP. They said that they have not made a decision on the same,” the officer said, urging the court to close the miscellaneous file pending further directions from the DPP.

Asad's family, through lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari, however, objected to the closure of the file, with Omari arguing that the police have not disclosed in finality if they recommended her to be charged or not.

He disclosed that closing the miscellaneous application without charging anyone was a sinister move contributing to a set-up.

“The investigations officer has not disclosed the recommendations. If the DPP decides to charge the person what happens, this is the first case where we don’t have the directions,” Omari the court.

He instead asked the court to give a further mention date so that the DPP can tell the court what his recommendation is.

Making an appearance during the court proceedings was the lawyer representing the landlord of the residence where Asad was staying before his death.

The landlord had asked the court to order the investigating officer to hand back the apartment, which was treated as a crime scene.

“As of now, we have arrears of Ksh269,500. It’s our request that the IO gives back the premises to the landlord so that he does not continue to suffer the loss of income, given the admission that the investigations are done,” the lawyer told the court.

However, the investigating officer opposed the release of the apartment to the landlord, noting that they would not do so until they know the directions that the DPP will give.

Wahome’s lawyers went on to oppose the victim having an audience before the court, insisting that she is the victim in this matter. The court heard that she is only a witness to what happened, further faulting Omari’s use of the word murder in his submission.

He indicated that even though Khan’s family is mourning, Wahome is equally in mourning as she lived in that house with the deceased.

Police had earlier disclosed that they are investigating her for the alleged murder, having been treated as the main suspect in the case.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) through state counsel James Gachoka, sought a request to the court to grant them 14 days to conclude investigations into the matter, adding that the events surrounding the matter changed after Asad died on December 18, 2022.

He added that the investigating officer had not received the DNA results of the case and they needed two weeks to complete investigations.

The death of Asad changed the circumstances surrounding the case as they are no longer investigating assault but murder.

This is after police revealed that they are investigating her for the alleged murder, having been treated as the main suspect in the case.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) through state counsel James Gachoka, sought a request to the court to grant them 14 days to conclude investigations into the matter.

Gachoka noted that the events surrounding the matter changed after Asad died on December 18, 2022.

Maxine Wahome in court on January 12, 2023. /TWITTER

Asad's younger brother Adil confirmed the unfortunate news of his death on Sunday, December 18.

“Yes, my brother Asad has finally left us. We had been at his bedside ever since he was admitted to the hospital with stab wounds. It is really sad,” he told the Nation.

Asad was fighting for his life at the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Avenue Hospital in Nairobi following a domestic spat which led to his girlfriend Wahome arrested.

Maxine Wahome in court. /K24 DIGITAL

Adil said his brother lost a lot of blood after the brutal assault on Monday, December 12. He had been admitted to Nairobi Hospital before he was transferred to Avenue Hospital.

He added that his brother was injured by Wahome on Jamhuri Day after she allegedly returned home drunk from a dinner party she had attended on the night of Sunday, December 11.

Asad was a recognised rally driver at the height of his rallying career hailed for his participation in a Subaru Impreza. With his young brother Adil, the pair had been running a mechanical workshop specifically for rally cars.

Both of them also headed a team of mechanics as members of the Service Crew for the Young FIA Team that participated in several events across the continent this year.

While promising to pursue justice for his brother, he viewed the whole saga as foul play given that it was the management of Preston Court in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, where the couple reside, who called him on December 12 at 1 pm.

It was the same day Wahome was arrested as police discovered a lot of blood in the house and broken glass. She was later presented at the Milimani Law Courts and released on a Ksh100,000 cash bail.

“Maxine was arrested following a report by Adil at Kilimani that she had inflicted life threatening injuries on his brother Asad,” Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi, who freed Wahome on Wednesday, December 14.

State prosecutor James Gachoka had applied to have Wahome detained for 14 days to enable police conclude investigations.

But her lawyer Steve Kimathi opposed the application saying she is willing to assist police with investigations into the matter.

“The nature of the offence police are investigating is bailable. I urge this court to free the suspect on bond pending completion of investigations,” Kimathi said.

The court was also told that the man sustained a deep cut on his ankle that was allegedly inflicted by Wahome, a matter which she denied by stating that she is a victim and claiming that the man hurt himself when he was attacking her.

Not much was known about Wahome's relationship with Asad but sources intimate that they were seeing each other for over a year.

Wahome is being investigated over an offence of causing grievous bodily harm which might lead to a lengthy jail term if she is charged with murder and convicted.

Asad Khan in a rally car. /ANWAR SIDI PHOTOGRAPHY

The 26-year-old top female rally driver spent two nights behind bars for allegedly assaulting Asad, who was earlier reported to be in hospital under critical condition.

Reports had surfaced later that night revealing that Asad died from his injuries, but his younger brother Adil said that he was alive, though fighting for his life at the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Avenue Hospital in Nairobi following the domestic altercation which saw Wahome arrested.

It is however hard for one to imagine how a celebrated rally driver went from becoming the first woman to win the WRC3 rally in Naivasha in June 2022 to be in the middle of woes that turned her into an enemy on social media.

Maxine Wahome inside a rally car. /THE STAR

She was awarded Ksh1 million alongside navigator Murage Waigwa after they clocked 5.20.21 hours. This was one of the accolades she earned across the country for her rally exploits as well as sponsorship deals with different companies.

Wahome's early stint at motorsports started after she got onto a bike for the first time at the age of 10. She started at autocross events before venturing into rallies and was inspired by her father, Jimmy Wahome, a retired rally driver, to join Motorcross.

Since venturing into rallying, she won the inaugural Lioness All-Women’s Rally at Kasarani in March 2022, months before her debut on the international stage whereby she set history on her first appearance.

She also participated in the WRC Safari Rally, Voi, Machakos and Ramisi rallies as well as autocross events in Mombasa and Nairobi. She also competed at the ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.

Wahome, in July 2022 became the newest driver in a joint partnership between a local telco and Kenya Airways under the FIA Rally Star Programme, a global initiative that seeks to identify, train and develop talented drivers aged between 17 and 27.

Away from her rallying exploits, Wahome works as a kindergarten teacher meaning one would probably find her in a school teaching the ABC letters of the alphabet.

“Each rally has made me grow from being last on the start list, to going up slowly. With the moral support and everyone around, the guys who helped me with the car, the mechanics, the coach and the family support is what’s got me to where I am now,” said Wahome in a February interview with Spice FM.

This is according to sources privy to the happenings within the family who told Viral Tea.

His younger brother Adil said that he was alive, though fighting for his life at the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Avenue Hospital in Nairobi following the domestic altercation which saw Wahome arrested.

Maxine Wahome in court. /K24 DIGITAL

"My brother is alive although in a critical condition," Adil told the Nation.

Asad had been admitted to Nairobi Hospital before he was transferred to Avenue Hospital.

“My brother has received almost 10 pints of blood at Avenue Hospital. He lost too much blood from the cuts," Adil added.

While promising to pursue justice for his brother, he viewed the whole saga as foul play given that it was the management of Preston Court in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, where the couple reside, who called him on Monday, December 12 at 1 pm.

It was the same day Wahome was arrested as police discovered a lot of blood in the house and broken glass. She was later presented at the Milimani Law Courts and released on a Ksh100,000 cash bail.

“Maxine was arrested following a report by Adil at Kilimani that she had inflicted life threatening injuries on his brother Asad,” Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi, who freed Maxine on Wednesday, December 14.

State prosecutor James Gachoka had applied to have Wahome detained for 14 days to enable police conclude investigations.

But her lawyer Steve Kimathi opposed the application saying she is willing to assist police with investigations into the matter.

“The nature of the offence police are investigating is bailable. I urge this court to free the suspect on bond pending completion of investigations,” Kimathi said.

The court was also told that the man sustained a deep cut on his ankle that was allegedly inflicted by Wahome, a matter which she denied by stating that she is a victim and claiming that the man hurt himself when he was attacking her.

Ochoi was told police visited the scene “which appeared disturbed with household goods strewn all over the dining room and a pool of blood on the floor and in the staircase.”

Explaining the terms that led to her release on cash bail, Ochoi agreed with Kimathi that the offence police are pressing against Wahome is bailable under the penal code.

He also said bail is a constitutional right for any suspect before freeing her on a Ksh100,000 cash bail.

Wahome was however ordered to appear before the investigating officer at Kilimani Police station every Thursday until the investigations are completed on January 16, 2023.

She is being investigated over an offence of causing grievous bodily harm which might lead to a jail term if she is convicted.

A ventilator at an ICU unit. /DAILY NATION

The top female rally driver spent two nights behind bars for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Asad Khan, who was earlier reported to be in hospital under critical condition.

Senior principal magistrate Bernard Ochoi on Wednesday, December 14 declined to allow an application by the police to detain her for 14 days pending charges related to grievous bodily harm on Asad.

On Tuesday, December 13, Wahome’s lawyers appealed to the court to have the media gagged from covering the case, stating that she was the victim of the assault and not the aggressor.

A ventilator at an ICU unit. /DAILY NATION

On declining the application by the state to hold her for two weeks, Ochoi explained that there were no compelling reasons to detain the suspect in police custody.

Police had sought to detain her explaining that Khan is still unconscious and in critical condition at the high dependency unit (HDU).

She however ordered Wahome to appear before the investigating officer at Kilimani Police station every Thursday until the investigations are completed on January 16, 2023.

The court was told that the man sustained a deep cut on his ankle that was allegedly inflicted by the woman.

An investigating officer revealed to the court that Wahome was arrested on December 12, 2022 at an apartment in Kilimani after the boyfriend’s brother made a report of an assault to the police. During the arrest, police discovered a lot of blood in the house and broken glass.

However, the rally driver defended, through her lawyers, by stating that she is a victim and claimed that the man hurt himself when he was attacking her.

Wahome made history in June this year by becoming the first female to win the WRC3 at the age of 26.

The case notably adds to a long list of incidences involving marital quarrels between Kenyan sportsmen and their lovers/spouses.

Athletes have in the past appealed to the government to come up with measures to ensure that the culprits responsible for the violence were brought to book.

An image of a crime scene. /FILE 

On Sunday, August 14, Hamilton shared that he paid a visit to Samburu County whereby he expressed his love for animals by posing for photos with baby giraffes and elephants.

However, as has been the norm with visiting global superstars, it was unclear whether or not he adopted any of the animals.

At the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organisation, visiting tourists and Kenyans are allowed to adopt an orphan elephant, rhino or giraffe for only USD50 (Ksh5,977.50 in current exchange rates).

Hamilton visited the Reteti Animal Sanctuary in Samburu and showed appreciation to its hosts as well as its work to rescue research and conservation.

"They're the first indigenous, community-owned and run sanctuary in Africa and the work they do for these animals should be an inspiration to us all.

"They take in orphaned animals who likely wouldn’t make it on their own and release them back into the wild when they’re strong enough. This was a truly centring experience, one that reinforces that we all share this planet.

"We’re not above animals, we’re with them. More often, we’re guests in their homes. Every day in the motherland is more beautiful than the last. Much love, Kenya," he wrote.

Reteti Sanctuary Profile

According to details on its official website, Reteti is a Samburu community-owned elephant sanctuary that takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim to release them back into the wild herds adjoining Reteti.

This is the result of a widely recognised and expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across Northern Kenya; a movement that is growing new economies, transforming lives and conserving natural resources.

Between 10 and 25 elephant calves are rescued in Northern Kenya each year. Elephant calves in Northern Kenya are orphaned or abandoned due to drought, man-made wells, human-wildlife conflict and natural mortality and for this purpose, the sanctuary was established in response to demands from the local community.

"The Kenya Wildlife Service and Samburu County Government have promoted the establishment of the new Sanctuary, recognising the wish of the local community to retain their elephants within Samburu County and seeing local communities taking a lead in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing elephants within their home range," it states.

The Reteti elephant keepers are all drawn from the indigenous Samburu community, specifically within Namunyak Conservancy. The Samburu have been living alongside wildlife for thousands of years and have deep respect for elephants with whom they share the land and its resources.

The keepers have been formally trained in the care, rehabilitation and release of elephant calves.

Adopting an elephant

Reteti offers visitors a chance to adopt an orphaned or abandoned elephant calf, with support going to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the rehabilitation and release of the Big Five animals. It costs a minimum donation of Ksh5,977.50 (USD50), similar to Sheldrick, and is payable every year.

Other breakdown costs include Ksh1,195 for a bottle of milk, Ksh2,988 for two bed-time blankets, Ksh9,564 for an elephant's milk for one day, Ksh14,943 for an elephant's care for one day, Ksh28,692 for an elephant's milk for three days and Ksh68,741 for a week's veterinarian and medical bills.

Earlier the renowned F1 driver was in Rwanda where he enjoyed the country’s nature. He was also in Namibia.

The British driver, who is currently racing for Team Mercedes, is enjoying the summer break of the 2022 F1 season, which resumes with the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps on August 26-28, which kicks off the final nine races held over the next 12 weeks. The season concludes with the Abu Dhabi GP on November 18-20, just before the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, November 20, 2022. 

Hamilton's plans to have one of Kenya's most followed sports brought to Africa could be on the brink of being a reality as the sport could return to South Africa on its calendar as early as next year. Reports indicate that if all goes well, F1 could return to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, which last hosted Formula 1 for 21 races, including its last one in 1993.

Viral Tea has learnt that Hamilton and his team arrived at the country on Sunday, August 7 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi with two private jets. 

According to sources, he left for the Maasai Mara National Reserve where he is expected to witness the Great Migration. 

Entrance to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. /NAIROBI NEWS

He was however revealed to have turned down photo sessions as he was processed to proceed with his journey. 

"Been told he went straight to the Maasai Mara," one source privy to the matter told Viral Tea. 

Hamilton was initially in Namibia before flying into Kenya and had hinted through a tweet that he was off to his next destination, but did not reveal further details. 

“Could not think of a better place to spend this time off. Thank you, Namibia, off to the next stop," he wrote. 

The British driver, who is currently racing for Team Mercedes, is enjoying the summer break of the 2022 F1 season, which resumes with the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps on August 26-28, which kicks off the final nine races held over the next 12 weeks. 

The season concludes with the Abu Dhabi GP on November 18-20, just before the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on November 21, 2022. 

During this period, drivers unwind through summer holidays at popular tourist destinations, engage in side hobbies among others. 

Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores trek from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara. 

Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, the great migration is termed as an iconic safari must-see for anyone visiting the Mara. 

As the herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles enter the Masai Mara they are met by more than their fair share of lethal predators. 

Aside from the threat of the big cats, the herds are also faced with over 3,000 crocodiles lurking in the murky waters of the Mara River during their river crossing. 

In general, the best time to witness the Great Migration is between the months of July to October.

Wildebeest and zebras during a past Great Migration event. /FILE