[PHOTOS] Gachagua officially flags off 70th edition of Safari Rally WRC

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially flagged off the 2023 70th Safari Rally WRC at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.

Gachagua said sports and sporting activities are great contributors to the nation's socio-economic well-being.

“Many Kenyans derive their livelihoods out of sports as well as a brand that Kenya is known for across the world,” Gachagua said.

He said during his childhood days in his village, Safari Rallies always lifted up their excitement.

“At the height of the Mau Mau Rebellion against the British in 1952, the State of Emergency was declared in Kenya. In that tense moment of the homestretch decade to our freedom, something very exciting happened - the Safari Rally was born in 1953,” Gachagua said.

He added that the Safari Rally WRC has been a nostalgic and historic sport in Kenya since 1953.

“It is always exciting to watch the Rally and identify with the Kenyan sporting spirit,” Gachagua said.

On Wednesday, President William Ruto displayed his skills when he drove a Safari Rally car.

Ruto wore full black rally attire and was helped to put on a helmet, he also had a rally driver as a co-driver during his ride.

Before driving, the President was cautious and asked if the brakes and clutches were working properly.

After the race, the President said that he had a good experience and described his co-driver as a great person.