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Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Sheghu ends 2026 WRC Safari Rally disastrously after kids smashed her windscreen

    Sheghu ends 2026 WRC Safari Rally disastrously after kids smashed her windscreen

    Top Kenyan female rally driver Pauline Sheghu and her navigator Linet Ayuko were forced out of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally challenge after their car’s windscreen and side window were smashed by kids who were following the action around Eburu on Saturday.

    “It is very painful and unfortunate that we cannot finish today’s rally because of the reckless and mannerless actions of some kids who broke our windscreen and side windows. What was supposed to be a beautiful rally for us has ended in tears,” said emotional Sheghu.

    Sheghu and Ayuko have been constantly taking part in the WRC Safari Rally since 2021, inspiring many women drivers to join the male-dominated sport.

    She has, however, hailed their fans and partners who have stood firmly with them throughout this year’s Rally.

    “To our fans, partners, and sponsors, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us. We gave this rally our all and tried our best to complete every stage, but yesterday around Eburu, some kids decided that stoning rally cars was their talent, not knowing the damage and heartbreak they would cause.” She added

  • Katsuta Takamoto inches closer to first WRC Safari rally victory

    Katsuta Takamoto inches closer to first WRC Safari rally victory

    Toyota Gazoo World Rally Team driver Katsuta Takamoto inched closer to being crowned the winner of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya after becoming the overnight leader on the penultimate day.

    The 33 year old Japanese who was third until Saturday morning loop took over the leadership following the retirement of his team mates Oliver Solberg and Sebastian Ogier who were 1st and 2nd respectively.

    Heading into the last stage of the rally, the Hells Gate 2, popularly referred to as the Wolf Power Stage, Takamoto Katsuta maintained a 42.0 sec margin over Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux.

    This year’s edition, which is the 5th since the return of the Safari rally into the WRC calendar, has been chaotic following the cancellation of two stages due to bad state of the roads after heavy rains.

  • WRC Safari Rally:Takamoto now leads after  Solberg,Ogier and Evans  shock retirements

    WRC Safari Rally:Takamoto now leads after  Solberg,Ogier and Evans  shock retirements

    Toyota Gazoo’s Katsuta Takamoto is now the new leader of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya heading into day three afternoon session in Naivasha,following the retirements of the top two drivers, Oliver Solberg and Sebastien Ogier, as well as the defending champion, Elfyn Evans, at the end of Saturday’s morning loop.

    Solberg and Ogier damaged their alternators despite having finished stage 13, the last Saturday morning session, while Evans suffered his first retirement since 2024 in Greece after damaging his rear suspension.

    Karan Patel of Skoda Fabia remains the best-placed local driver competing in the WRC 2 in position 19, followed by Aakif Virani in 22nd, while Samman Vohra completes the top 3 in position 25.

    This year’s edition, the fifth since co-opting the Safari Rally in the WRC calendar, has already witnessed a fair share of shocks and challenges, with the organisers also being forced to cancel the Camp Moran 2 stage on Friday morning due to deterioration of the road caused by the heavy rains.

    The rally, which featured 45 drivers competing in the WRC1, WRC2, WRC3 and KNR categories, is set to conclude on Sunday with two loop stages of Oserengoni and Hells Gate.

    The Kenya Safari Rally marks the third stop of the 2026 WRC season, following the Rally Monte Carlo in January and the Rally Sweden in February.

  • WRC Safari Rally: Solberg extends lead to 42.6 secs after Saturday’s dramatic morning session

    WRC Safari Rally: Solberg extends lead to 42.6 secs after Saturday’s dramatic morning session

    After barely surviving on day two, having his lead cut to just a second, Toyota Gazoo’s Oliver Solberg extended his lead in the Saturday morning session, gaining a huge 42.6-second lead over his close challenger and teammate Sebastien Ogier at the conclusion of the day three morning session of the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.

    Solberg opened Saturday morning with a bang, winning Soysambu 1 in a dramatic day which saw many drivers suffering car damages, with the shocker being the retirement of the defending champion Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo, his first since 2024 in Greece.

    Ogier, who is aiming for his third Safari Rally victory, reigned supreme in the remaining two stages of the morning session: Elementaita 1 and Sleeping Warrior 1.

    The 24-year-old Swedsih is still in command of the rally with a time of 2:13:23.1 after 13 stages, followed by Ogier and Katsuta Takamoto, who are 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

    It was a terrific morning for Toyota Gazoo after its other lead drivers, Solberg and Ogier, retired and will resume the action on the final day tomorrow after suffering broken alternators.

    Action resumes later on Saturday at 3:05pm with the Soysambu 2, Elementaita 2 and Sleeping Warrior 2 stages.

  • Senegalese football fans were given a fair trial, says civil society

    Senegalese football fans were given a fair trial, says civil society

    A Civil Society Organization for peace and security” (OCPS) has expressed its satisfaction regarding the conditions under which the trial of Senegalese football supporters is taking place in Morocco.

    These supporters were arrested following the incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Morocco and Senegal on the 18th January this year at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat.
    The NGO claimed that all legal requirements for a fair trial are being fulfilled after participating in multiple hearings.

    The Moroccan court authorities have guaranteed complete respect for legal procedures, including the availability of interpreters and the right to a suitable legal defence, according to the organization.

    The officials of the NGO stressed that international human rights norms are being followed throughout the process.

    In addition to offering an unbiased viewpoint on the transparency of the Moroccan legal system in managing this delicate matter, this statement seeks to clarify the situation in light of several social media reports.

  • Pajari wins Safari Rally day 2, as Solberg maintains a slender lead

    Pajari wins Safari Rally day 2, as Solberg maintains a slender lead

    Sammi Pajari of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team led his team mates in complete dominance of Day 2 action at the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha as Oliver Solberg maintained a slender lead heading into Saturday action.

    Pajari, navigated by Marko Salminen, won 4 of the 7 stages on card in day 2 competition on Friday after the Camp Moran 2 stage was cancelled due to the deteriorated condition of the roads caused by heavy downpour.

    The Finish claimed victories in Kengen Geothermal 1 and 2, Kedong 1 and Mzabibu 2, with Sebastien Ogier winning the other three stages: Loldia 1 and 2 and Kedong 2.

    Friday’s result saw Solberg’s lead cut to only 1 second ahead of Ogier as the action headed into day 3 on Saturday.

    “I tried my best. It was really slippery again,” Solberg said. “We are back to zero now with Seb, so we will see what he does. I have had a fight with him before this year, and I’m leading 1-0… we will go again tomorrow.” said Solberg

    Solberg still leads after day two with 1:33:50.2, followed by Ogier and last year’s champion Elfyn Evans and Pajari in 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.

    Karan Patel in a Skoda Fabia car competing in WRC 2 is the best-placed Kenyan, moving up to 14th, while Aakif Virani is placed 18th.


    The action resumed on Saturday with a total of 122.72 km to be covered through six stages of Soysambu, Elementaita and Sleeping for the morning loop before repeating the stages in the evening session.

  • Kisumu Youngsters’ John Shivisi named Betika Coach of the month

    Kisumu Youngsters’ John Shivisi named Betika Coach of the month

    Kisumu Youngsters Hockey Club Head Coach John Shivisi is the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for February after steering his side to an outstanding and historic campaign in the Senior Hockey Super League.

    Shivisi guided Kisumu Youngsters to a remarkable run that ultimately saw the team clinch the Senior Hockey Super League title and secure promotion to the Kenya Hockey Premier League for the 2026/27 season.

    In a tightly contested vote, Shivisi edged out Charles Akonnor, the Gor Mahia FC head coach who finished second after guiding his side to three crucial Kenyan Premier League victories in February against Mathare United (2-1), KCB (3-0) and APS Bomet (2-1).

    Third place went to Kevin Wambua, popularly known as “Bling,” for steering the Kenya national rugby sevens team (Shujaa) to a bronze medal finish at the HSBC Sevens Series 2 tournament.

    Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Betika Marketing Specialist Ms. Marya Wachira congratulated Kisumu Youngsters Hockey Club for the promotion to the Super League noting that the Coach becomes the first beneficiary of the Betika/SJAK award from a lower tier or tournament since the awards inception twelve months ago.

    “Our goal has always been to ensure that no great achievement goes unnoticed, regardless of the league’s stature. Seeing Shivisi from a lower tournament rise to the top of our selection process proves exactly why we cast such a wide net. This award reflects the passion in the Senior Hockey Super League and beyond. Shivisi’s journey embodies the very spirit of growth we aim to support across the entire sporting landscape,” noted Ms. Marya.

    During the impressive 2025/26 season, the team suffered a single loss, a 2–0 setback away to Greensharks enabling the team to have a strong run for the title.

    “The lower leagues in many sports disciplines are not usually given the attention they deserve however, with the Betika/ SJAK Coach of the month award we made a deliberate decision to monitor performances across disciplines and league tiers towards ensuring we recognize the most outstanding in any particular month where this month’s award is testament to that,” noted SJAK President Mr. James Waindi.

    Coach Shivisi was all smiles during the presentation noting that, “I never imagined that our performance was being monitored for consideration for any award, it is therefore such a pleasant surprise for me and the team and we are committed to prove that we deserved to be promoted to the Super League.”

     

  • Vivo Energy Kenya celebrates Hyundai Team’s Kenya wildlife livery gesture

    Vivo Energy Kenya celebrates Hyundai Team’s Kenya wildlife livery gesture

    Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director, Mr Peter Murungi, has welcomed the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team’s decision to showcase a special Kenyan wildlife livery on its cars as the WRC Safari Rally 2026 revs off tomorrow.

    In a rare tribute to Kenya’s “Origin of Wonder” tourism positioning, the Rally Team, featuring three highly seeded HYUNDAI i20 N Rally1 cars, is sporting livery inspired by Kenya’s iconic wildlife during this year’s Safari Rally.

    Alongside the sponsors’ identities, the Hyundai World Rally Cars now feature a mix of Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Elephant, and Zebra with the: “Oh Look!” Over There! tagline on the prime drivers and the navigator’s door spaces.

    Speaking on behalf of Vivo Energy Kenya, Mr Murungi conveyed the company’s best wishes for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. He described the Team’s gesture as a befitting tribute to Kenya’s tourism product.

    “Vivo Energy Kenya, as the local Shell products marketer and distributor, welcomes the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team to Kenya and acknowledges the team’s befitting tribute to Kenya’s tourism product through the special rally car livery,” Murungi said. He added, “Kenya is undoubtedly the Origin of Wonder, and we appreciate the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team for bestowing us the honour to spotlight our wildlife globally as we wish the team success.”

    As Co-Title Sponsor and Technical Partner of the team, Shell has supported Hyundai Motorsport’s lubricant needs since 2014, bringing high-performance innovation to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

    During the Shakedown at the new Nawisa stage, Thierry Neuville set the fastest pace as crews prepared for what is widely expected to be another typically demanding Safari Rally.

    Making his 185th start to move past Sébastien Loeb on the WRC’s all-time appearance list, Neuville posted a benchmark of 4min 33.1sec on his third and final pass of the brand-new 6.31km Nawisa test stage.

    At the rally, Parc Fermé, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver Adrien Fourmaux and Navigator Alexandre Coria will lead the team’s Safari Rally attack and are drawn for flag off at position four.

    The crew will be followed by teammates and 2024 WRC drivers’ and co-drivers’ champions Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, drawn to start at position five.

    The third Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team car, with Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi and navigator Enni Mälkönen, will start at position eight.

    Rallies span extreme climates, testing Shell Helix Ultra’s ability to protect engines in diverse, demanding conditions.

  • Solberg takes a commanding lead after 6 stages of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally

    Solberg takes a commanding lead after 6 stages of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally

    Swedish driver Oliver Solberg maintained a perfect record, remaining on course for his first Safari Rally 1 win after leading in six  stages by the end of Friday’s morning season as the 3rd stop of WRC entered day two in Naivasha.

    Toyota’s Oliver Solberg in action at the 2026 WRC Safari rally.Photo:S.Mayira

    Competing at the WRC Safari Rally 1 competition for the first time, the 24-year-old started day two highly recharged though he dint won any of the Friday’s Morning stages he remained in top positions in  the 25.6 km Loldia 1, the 13.2 km Kengan Geothermal 1 and the Kedong 1, which measures 13.17 km to consolidate his overal lead.

    2026 FIA World Rally Championship / Round 03 / Safari Rally Kenya 2026 / 11th-15th March 2026 // Worldwide Copyright: TGR WRT / McKlein

    After the completion of the five stages following the cancellation of Camp Moran 2, Solberg, navigated by Elliot Edmondson in their Toyota Gazoo GR Yaris, was the fastest, having a time of 58:30.3, ahead of his other teammates, Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta, who are placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions, respectively.

    Karan Patel is the best-placed Kenyan driver in his Skoda Fabia racing in the WRC 2, placing 16th with a time of 1:13:23.8, while Aakif Virani is 18th.

  • Toyota Gazoo rules on muddy and dry day 1 of the WRC Safari Rally

    Toyota Gazoo rules on muddy and dry day 1 of the WRC Safari Rally

    The much-awaited WRC Safari Rally 2026 began yesterday in Naivasha, full of challenges in the opening two stages of Camp Moran 1 and Mzabibu, with Swedish Oliver Solberg leading Toyota Gazoo, scooping the top 5 positions.

    Drivers cruised through the slippery and muddy Camp Moran 1 stage, which witnessed a lot of time wasting among all the drivers.

    Drivers struggled to navigate through the conditions, but Solberg seemed to be comfortable with the conditions.

    It was, however, a different tale in the 2nd stage at Mzabibu 1, which was dry and dusty, allowing drivers to recover the time wasted in the first stage.

    It was Toyota Gazoo who carried the day, scooping the top five spots and taking an overnight manufacturers lead.

    After the end of day 1, Solberg said, “Incredibly tough conditions out there, but Elliott and I love the challenge. A stage win and ending the day leading the rally! The feeling in my Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1 is amazing.

    Two-time Safari Rally champion Frenchman Sebastien Ogier gave his insights of the day: “You know you’re going to lose time, but you can’t get yourself too frustrated, can you? No, you can’t, so you know that it’s, yeah, it’s going to not be seconds that you lose but probably minutes, and of course, it’s hard to start a race like this.”

    Hyundai driver Belgian Thierry Neuville termed the Camp Moran stage more challenging than last year’s.

    “That was close to being maybe the most tricky stage I have ever done. Um, and yeah, um, yeah, we obviously had quite a big time loss there, but yeah, I guess it was not getting any better for the cars in the back.”

    The sentiments were similar for M-Sport Ford Puma, who referred to the Camp Moran stage as crazy.

    “That first stage was just crazy, especially the first 10 km. I think you would have been better off on a boat! But we made it through okay.”

    The rally has entered day two with 7 competition stages on the card after the cancellation of the Camp Moran 2 due to the deterioration of the road following a heavy downpour.