Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a ceremony held at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, has officially flagged off the 70th edition of the WRC Safari Rally.
Gachagua emphasized the significant role that sports and sporting activities play in contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the nation.
He highlighted how the Safari Rally has been a source of excitement and pride for Kenyans since its inception in 1953.
President William Ruto also showcased his skills behind the wheel of a Safari Rally car during the event, donning full rally attire and expressing his satisfaction with the experience.
The WRC Safari Rally holds a special place in Kenya’s sporting history, having emerged during a critical period in the nation’s struggle for freedom.
Gachagua recalled the rally’s origins in 1953, when the country was under a State of Emergency due to the Mau Mau Rebellion against British rule.
He remarked on the rally’s enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences with the Kenyan sporting spirit.
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Gachagua stressed that sports not only provide livelihood opportunities for many Kenyans but also contribute to Kenya’s international reputation.
The flagging off of the 70th edition of the WRC Safari Rally marks another milestone in Kenya’s rich motorsport heritage.