'The show is still on!' Safari Rally CEO Gacheru assures fans

Gacheru downplayed a High court ruling on Wednesday that nullified an agreement between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF).

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Anne Nyoike ruled that the agreement, signed on January 25, 2025, by suspended KMSF Chairman Maina Muturi, had no legal standing as it was executed in defiance of a court order barring him from managing the federation’s affairs.  

In regards to the ruling, Gacheru has assured fans that the show is still on in Naivasha this weekend as the court order does not stop it.  

“The Magistrate Court is subordinate to the High Court and the orders obtained by Mr. Kahumbura does not stop the rally from proceeding. Further more in the High Court matter, Justice Chigiti dismissed Kahumbura's case, said the Rally proceeds. So let Kahumbura go to Hague," Gacheru told Citizen Digital. 

"Jim Kahumbura is neither recognised by the Government of Kenya, neither is he recognised by the FIA."

President William Ruto will on Thursday flag off the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, as spectators are expected to flock Naivasha during the weekend. 

As many fans are expected to attend the annual championships, the government has introduced stringent rules a bid to contain the perennial traffic jams.

Among the rules include a ban on partying and parking along the Moi South Lake Road, with hundreds of revellers expected for the global event that kicks off on Thursday.

A multi-agency security team has been formed with hotels recording fair bookings for the fourth edition of the global event.