This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
Published on October 23, 2019, Gitau Munene, an eight-year-old pupil at Nova Pioneer School in Nairobi, made headlines after winning the beginners' class category at the Jumbo Charge 4x4 Mt Elgon Challenge in Cheptais, Mt Elgon.
Gitau, who has been driving since the age of six, attributed his win to the skills he acquired from his father, Wilson Munene, who doubles as his navigator in their Range Rover P38 series.
‘When I won in the Charana 4x4 Challenge in Meru County last August, I was motivated to try a hand in the Mt Elgon Challenge and indeed, it’s true my good driving skills in rough terrain enabled me win in the challenge,’ said Gitau.
Gitau's father, Wilson Munene, expressed pride in his son's achievement, saying, ‘As a parent I am so proud because my son has won. I cannot explain it but I am so proud of him. Being Mashujaa Day, I must say that he is my hero today and we shall keep on doing it until I retire from the driver's seat.'
Despite the heavy rains pounding the area, Gitau was able to outshine adult drivers during the challenge.
Charles Mulupi, the Jumbo Charge Chairman, called upon the government and other stakeholders to come forward and support the sport, saying, ‘We encourage everyone to support us by coming out in large numbers whenever we are here for the challenge. Our aim is to ensure that we protect our environment.'
