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 bike ride to Mecca.
The cyclists, who embarked on the 'Pedal to Hajj' journey on July 28, 2019, aimed to raise Ksh5 million for the completion of the Al Furqan towers in Namanga and sponsor needy children.
Although they fell short of their target, collecting Ksh3.9 million ($39,000), 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, resting for 10 days along the way.
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 from Sudan.
After joining the rest of the pilgrims on August 23, the cyclists returned to Kenya on August 27, 2019, through the Moyale border point.
A ceremony was held to welcome them back, during which former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow awarded them with trophies.
"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."
