From Carl Tundo to McRae Kimathi: Outstanding Kenyan drivers in the WRC Safari Rally

The rally, which concluded Sunday afternoon, saw Frenchman Sébastien Ogier crowned the winner in a champagne-dripping event graced by President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.

22-year-old old Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä came second in a race that was watched and cheered on by thousands of ecstatic spectators. He was followed by Evans Elfyn, who emerged third in the championships. 

But in a brutal race through, Veteran Kenyan rally diver Carl Tundo also made it to the podium after finishing third in the WRC2 category.

Singh Vohra Saman emerged 16 in the World Championships, and number 6 in both the WRC2and the WRC2 Challenger.

Emerging position 20 in the championship was Kenya’s Rathod Minesh, who was behind the wheels of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. 

Other retired Kenyans who showcased their rally skills under the retirement category include Virani Aakif, Anwar Hamza, and Wahome Jeremiah. 

Speaking at the event's prize-giving gala, President Ruto congratulated Sebastian Ogier and his navigator Vincent Landais for winning the world’s most spectacular and grueling WRC event, the Safari Rally.

“You (Ogier and Landais) are conquerors of terrain and machine, and King of the 70th Safari Rally 2023. I also commend the 19 Kenyan drivers who took part in the 70th Safari Rally, among them Carl Tundo who was third in WRC category 2,"he said. 

"We look forward to more exciting competition next year."