This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
On June 27, 2021, the Safari Rally event brought Kenya to a standstill, leaving a trail of fortune and misfortune in its wake.
Thousands of Kenyans thronged the slopes of Naivasha town to witness the thrilling World Rally Car racing event, which returned to Kenya after a hiatus of almost 20 years.
As the cars sped through the viewpoints, some fans took to the roads, taking selfies with the cars while leaving their destinations behind. Others were left in awe as a car flew over a dog, with the driver and co-driver doing a jig in celebration.
However, the event was not without its misfortunes. Many people who had never tasted alcohol before tried it for the first time, only to be knocked down by its strong effects. Others were spotted groaning in pain on the grass along the road, while some were left stranded in their cars.
Our spot check crew witnessed fans engaging in reckless behavior, oblivious to their surroundings. A sad situation was witnessed when a smartly dressed woman lay unconscious on the grass, with a good samaritan making frantic efforts to contact her relatives.
Some parents had to drive all the way from Nairobi to Naivasha to pick up their daughters, who had been abandoned by their male colleagues after a night of 'good' time. Parents were left in a sorry state, not knowing that their children had gone to Naivasha to watch the rally.
Faith-based organizations condemned the reckless behavior, with a Mombasa-based preacher blaming it on drugs, social media, and television soap operas. A Nakuru-based Iman called for stricter laws and jail terms to combat the vice.
