Mombasa Deputy Governor Dr William Kingi (C) joins winners of the East African Safari Classic rally, December 2, 2017. [Photo/Dr William Kingi]
Mombasa Deputy Governor Dr William Kingi joined the East African Safari Classic rally family in celebrating the rally finishers at a Gala dinner on Friday evening.
"The East African Safari Rally, which is the precursor to the Safari Classic was the dream of every boy and girl in Mombasa. Back in the day, the ramp at the Oceanic Hotel was much like an altar which we all sought to see. This rally has surely reawakened sweet old memories," he said.
After a punishing nine-day event that more often than not results in heavily damaged cars, 29 drivers managed to stay clear of trouble and finished the race.
This year's safari rally brought mixed fortunes for the country with Kenya's Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo and co-driver, Tim Jessop, and Richard Jackson of Britain with co-driver, Ryan Champion being declared the joint winners of the 2017 Kenya Airways East Africa Classic Safari, following a unanimous decision by the stewards.
"As we celebrate the glory of our champions in the just concluded rally, we also remember the departed soul of our brother JS. Vohra whose contribution to the success of this years' event is immeasurable; his efforts in promoting Mombasa as a world tourist destination and giving us the privilege to host this year's rally after such a long time of dormancy means a great deal to us, we have earned a lot economically and socially from his efforts and especially this rally, which has also opened up the interiors of our county to the world to explore the available investment opportunities. We shall surely miss him," he said.
"Congratulations to all the finishers, both the veteran experienced drivers and the young debuting amateurs for defying the hilly terrains to finish the rally," added Kingi.