By MACHARIA MWANGI
They might not be many, but their “earsplitting” vehicles have, for the umpteenth time, made a statement of intent.
Yes, they are the flashy “Subaru Boys”, known for their glitzy, wannabe lifestyles.
Since Kenya was admitted back into the World Rally Championship (WRC) fold, they have been the darling of the competition – or nuisance, depending on where you sit – perhaps buoyed by their “noisy cars” and weak attempts at aping the powerful R1 WRC rallying machines.
They are conspicuous, religious to their cause to a fault, and with age on their side, out to explore. Unfettered.
On Wednesday, puravidasports.africa witnessed one of them driving at a breakneck speed along the narrow Mama Ngina driveway in Naivasha, attracting attention among the business community along the route.
But not all were happy with their driving antics, some cursing loudly as they zoomed by, music booming from their contraptions and forcing scared pedestrians off the road, scampering for safety.
Such raucous moments are what they thrive at, hogging the limelight.
They are hot blooded and courting danger with undue care, just happy to have been there, done that, embracing the “Vasha vibe” they would then splash on their socials.
The attention-seeking lot drive in a convoy, hooting, some hanging precariously in the car windows, oblivious of the danger. Many of them don’t care to follow the actual rally results.
Meanwhile, “rivalling” the “Subaru Boys” is the legion of rally fans from across the border in Uganda.
This is a different lot, more knowledgeable about the sport and mad about Kalle Rovanpera, Theirry Neuville, Katsuta Takamoto and the top crews.
They wish Uganda hosted a round of the WRC, but care less because the road trip from the Kabalagala party island to Naivasha is a welcome distraction from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s staple.
An estimated 30,000 supporters drawn from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the larger East African Community (EAC) region are expected to flock to Naivasha and surrounding areas this weekend, driving up tourism numbers and boosting hospitality in Nakuru County and beyond.
They form part of an experiential rally package facilitated by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) through a campaign that has seen fans from Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda transported via branded buses.
“I absolutely love the way Kenya organizes the rally stages and spectator sections.
“The security is also top-notch. After the event, I plan to visit Mombasa’s beautiful beaches and sample more of Kenya’s famous hospitality,” said Henry Kimbugwe, a Ugandan motorsports enthusiast.
Tanzanian rally fan David Matete echoed the sentiment, saying he was “very excited and happy to be here because of the great ambience and energy of the Kenyan people.”
“We have already seen so much – the beauty of Kenya, the animals, the delicious food. The accommodation has been fantastic. I am looking forward to seeing my favorite drivers compete, as well as more of Kenya’s incredible wildlife,” he added.
Since the return of the Safari into the WRC fold, the croaky “Subaru Boys” cars have mirrored the competition highs and lows as they descend the Kinungi section of the Nairobi-Naivasha highway.
“We are aware they are coming… the showy lot always paints the town red. Their imbibing habits, even by the roadside, is quite exposed,” said a Naivasha resident and barber, Joseph Muthoni.
Despite at times infuriating habits, the “Subaru Boys” are the signature mark of the global competition, always sprucing up the event.
Their numbers are expected to shore up after the customary working week comes to an end and the weekend “proper” kicks off.
“We expect their number to increase especially at the weekend, beginning Friday,” added Muthoni.
Back at the nerve centre of the rally situated at the Wildlife Service Training Institute (WRTI), a hawk-eyed special police unit manned the entrance, with those accessing the venue being thoroughly checked.
Those without official badges for entry were turned away, signaling the adherence to strict security measures spelt out by the event organizers. The threshold has to be met to enter the venue.
At the media centre, journalists, both local and international, had to put up with the chilly weather, keeping warm as they penned articles to their respective media houses.
The drizzle forcing the scribes to retreat back into their cocoons.
The WRC Safari Rally, as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, continues to captivate a global audience, with over 120 million viewers across 70 countries expected to tune in through 43 international broadcasters. (Additional reporting by IMG)
Macharia Mwangi is a seasoned journalist with more than 20 years’ experience. Previously, he worked with Nation Media Group for 19 years.
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