This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
On a somber note, the 2019 Safari Rally has been marred by a tragic accident that claimed one life and left three fans seriously injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, long after the day's rallying had concluded, at the Soysambu section of the World Rally Championship candidate rally.
Phineas Kimathi, the chief executive officer of the World Rally Championship Safari Project, has issued a heartfelt appeal to motorsport fans to exercise safety as they follow this year's competition. In a statement, Kimathi emphasized that safety is non-negotiable, drawing parallels with the International Automobile Federation President Jean Todt's 2015 visit to Kenya, where he drummed up support for the Safari Rally's return to the World Rally Championship.
As a former rally driver and a United Nations special envoy on road safety, Todt's visit had a lasting impact on the Safari Rally's commitment to safety. Kimathi echoed Todt's sentiments, urging fans to take responsibility for their own safety and to drive responsibly. 'Safety starts with you and me, and we can only expect people to stay safe and drive responsibly,' Kimathi said.
The accident, although unfortunate, is unlikely to have a negative impact on the FIA officials' assessment of the Safari Rally's suitability to return to the World Rally Championship. Organizers are working tirelessly to seal all organizational loopholes ahead of the expected announcement that the celebrated Kenyan rally will be back on the global map next year.
