The recently held gala night was a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Safari Rally, an event that has brought together Kenyans from all walks of life for decades.
The event was attended by men and women who had spent their youth burning fuel and rubber in pursuit of the thrill that comes with motorsports.
Despite being slowed down by age, they were still in good shape and enjoying old age graciously.
WRC Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi expressed his gratitude to the government and guests for honoring their presence at the event.
The evening was reminiscent of the Oscars, thanks to the slick operation put together by hostess Faith Wathome and her team of Gen Z staff at the Safari Rally Secretariat.
The gala night was a moment when Kenyans of all racial divides, irrespective of age or class, came together to exchange banter, share food and drink, and reminisce about old times.
Legends like Ann Teith, Pauru Choda, and Vyonne Mehta graced the stage to share their experiences.
Their exploits were hair-raising, Spartan or plainly hilarious.
Sports Cabinet Minister Ababu Namwamba hailed the event as long overdue and pledged that it would become an annual fixture.
He paid tribute to the media which shaped the Safari into a global sporting event at an era when modern communication equipment was non-existent.
Mike Kirkland, one of the most successful living Safari Rally legends with three second-place positions and third once took to the stage sporting a green jacket gifted to him by Eric Cecil – founder of the Safari in 1953 – with gusto.
He recalled wild carefree days filled with adventure and often face-offs with foreign drivers.
Four-time national champion Patrick Njiru was hailed as a legend and national hero whom the government felt was best suited to flag off President William Ruto during a symbolic launch of the 70th Anniversary Safari Rally.
Similar accolades were showered on Mike Doughty, Frank Tundo, Ian Duncan, Orie Rogo Manduli, Prem, Vyonne, Margaret Wangui and Benjamin Kariuki and all others of the old generation as national treasures.
George Muhindi, a finisher of the classic category of the 1997 Safari Rally was grinning from ear to ear for the organizers remembering the old.
He said he has attended all Safari rally editions for 65 years as a spectator, organizer and driver.
The gala night was a reminder of how far the Safari Rally has come in unifying Kenyans over the past 70 years.
It was an event that brought together legends from different generations to celebrate their achievements and contributions to this iconic sporting event.
