Charles Gacheru, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, has downplayed the court ruling annulling the agreement on this year’s event.
While assuring fans that the annual motorsport event will proceed as planned from March 20 to 23, 2025, Gacheru said the rally would continue in Naivasha as scheduled.
Gacheru addressed concerns following a High Court ruling on Wednesday that annulled an agreement between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF).
The ruling, issued by Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Anne Nyoike, stated that the agreement, signed on January 25, 2025, by suspended KMSF Chairman Maina Muturi, was invalid due to being executed in defiance of a court order barring him from managing federation affairs.
He emphasized that the court order does not prevent the event from taking place. “The Magistrate Court is subordinate to the High Court, and the orders obtained by Mr Kahumbura do not stop the rally from proceeding.
Additionally, in the High Court matter, Justice Chigiti dismissed Kahumbura’s case and confirmed the rally will go ahead,” Gacheru told Citizen Digital. “Let Kahumbura go to the Hague,” he added.
President William Ruto is set to flag off the 2025 WRC Safari Rally on Thursday, and large crowds are expected in Naivasha throughout the weekend.
In anticipation of the influx of spectators, the government has implemented strict regulations to address potential traffic congestion. Among these measures is a ban on partying and parking along the Moi South Lake Road, with thousands of revellers expected for the high-profile global event.
A multi-agency security team has been deployed to ensure safety, while hotels are reporting solid bookings ahead of the fourth edition of the prestigious rally.
