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The president, accompanied by Sport Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, received a firsthand experience of the high-speed action during a thrilling shakedown run.
Kenya President William Ruto was immersed in ‘a life changing experience’ as he substituted his duties as head of state to get a front row experience of the World Rally Championship.
Ruto, who is serving his first term as Kenya’s president, was on hand in Naivasha, to wave off the 70th edition of Africas biggest rally event, the Safari Rally Kenya (22 - 25 June).
Ruto joined the Safari Rally by strapping himself into the co-driver's seat of Pierre-Louis Loubet's M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid.
The president, accompanied by Sport Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, received a firsthand experience of the high-speed action during a thrilling shakedown run.
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“I don’t know what to say, that thing is crazy!” he beamed, gesturing towards Loubet’s Puma.
“Absolute madness - but it is an experience you cannot forget. The sheer speed, you can hardly see the road, you can hardly see the bend. These guys are really professional, it’s a life-changing adventure.”
The excitement surrounding the rally was evident as hundreds of Ugandan rally fans crossed the border to witness the thrilling event.
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President Ruto couldn't help but notice the enthusiasm of the Ugandan supporters, which prompted him to call on his fellow Kenyans to join in the celebration.
"I have just seen people carrying flags from Uganda. I urge many Kenyans to come here with their Kenyan flags as well,” he said.
“I am yet to see a Kenyan flag around here, and I'm telling my fellow countrymen and women, this is the moment to be patriotic.”
President Ruto, who will return to the event on Sunday to celebrate with the winners at Hell's Gate, expressed his awe at the overall impact the WRC is having on Kenya.
He emphasized that the rally transcends mere racing and involves the entire nation. "It is not just about the rally car, it is not just about the drivers, it is not just about the support teams”
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“It is a whole of Kenya event. The carnival, the excitement, the celebration - it is just that captivating. Millions of Kenyans are engrossed in this," President Ruto continued.
Despite his immersion in the rally experience, Ruto also acknowledged the challenges it presents in terms of keeping everyone focused on their daily responsibilities.
"We will have great difficulty tomorrow and Friday to keep everybody at work! Those who have reasons will look for those reasons, those who don't have reasons will look for excuses. I will be working tomorrow, unfortunately for me," he jokingly remarked.
World Rally Championship leader Kalle Rovanperä is determined to secure back-to-back wins.
The rally, which commences in Nairobi on Thursday, will feature 19 demanding special stages covering a total distance of 355.92km around Lakes Naivasha and Elmenteita before culminating in a thrilling finish in Naivasha on Sunday afternoon.
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