President Ruto drives himself to KICC to flag off WRC Safari Rally
President William Ruto drove himself from State House to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) where he flagged off the World Rally Championship.
The President arrived in his silver Lexus car, ready for business, with his bodyguards sitting beside him in the front seat.
He was greeted by the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, who presented him with a white cap.
This is the second time Ruto has driven himself from State House to attend a function at KICC.
The first time was in September last year when he drove an electric vehicle to KICC to attend the Africa Climate Summit.
While flagging off the championship, the President urged Kenyans to come out in large numbers to support the race.
“I encourage all Kenyans to come out in large numbers to support our teams and celebrate Easter in style,” said President Ruto.
The President said visitors are welcome to experience the magical country, its beauty and the welcoming atmosphere brought about by the removal of visa requirements.
“Kenya has now removed all visa requirements for any person coming from anywhere in the world because Kenya is the home of humanity and we welcome you to Kenya.”
The World Rally Championship (WRC), an international rally series owned and administered by the FIA, will return to Kenya in 2021 following a major lobbying effort by the last regime of outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Ruto said the rally not only attracts tourists and visitors to the country but also boosts the economy.
“The increase in the number of visitors to our country and to the venues reinforces the media coverage of our country’s attractiveness, and the global attention generated by the WRC provides a definite and significant boost to our economy.”
The rally takes place against a backdrop of persistent rain in several parts of the country, which the Met Office predicts will continue over the Easter holiday weekend.