This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, four Kenyan cyclists, Mohammed Zahir, Osman Idrissa, Mohammed Salim, and Anwar Mansur, returned to Nairobi after completing a historic 3,500km journey to Mecca.
The cyclists, who embarked on the 'Pedal to Hajj' journey on July 28, 2019, aimed to raise Sh5 million for the completion of Al Furqan towers in Namanga and to sponsor needy children.
Although they fell short of their target, collecting Sh3.9 million, the team expressed gratitude for the experience and the support they received.
"Teamwork was our main strength," said Mohammed Salim. "We all come from different backgrounds but were able to survive together as a team."
The cyclists faced numerous challenges, including a language barrier, but managed to cover 100km each day for 35 days, with 10 days of resting.
They cycled from Nairobi to Sudan through Ethiopia and arrived at Madina on August 18, before crossing the Red Sea via boat and entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
After joining the rest of the pilgrims on August 23, the cyclists returned to Kenya on August 27, where they were welcomed back with a ceremony and awarded trophies.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow presented the team with trophies, and a well-wisher offered to buy a cake at Sh100,000 during an auction, with the proceeds going towards charity.
"We are now thinking of working on another project to raise the remaining money," said Mohammed Zahir. "We are urging members of the public to lend a helping hand where they can."
