This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a stylish appearance at the flag-off of the World Rally Championships (WRC) Safari Rally in Nairobi, marking the event's return to the Kenyan capital after a 19-year hiatus.
As the patron of the Safari Rally, President Kenyatta chose to wear black Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 shoes, designed by world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge. The shoes feature a thick white and green sole, completing the colors of the Kenyan flag.
The Kipchoge line, released by Nike in November 2020, features four different types of shoes, including the Nike Air Zoom 37 Eliud Kipchoge Running Shoe, which comes in men's and women's versions.
The men's running shoe is currently out of stock, while the women's equivalent retails between Sh10,500 and Sh30,000. The shoes have sparked speculation that President Uhuru's pair was custom-made, as they are not available in black on any online store.
Speaking to Runner's World in October, Eliud Kipchoge explained the significance of the Kenyan colorway: "It's really crucial. It's really important to me to wear a shoe on Sunday which has Kenyan colours. I believe I represent Kenya around the clock and this shoe can do the same. People can wear the flag all around the world. That's how people can become one."
President Kenyatta was joined by FIA president Jean Todt, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, and WRC Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi for the ceremonial flag-off, which marked the beginning of the 19-year wait for the WRC event to return to the country.
