- What BBC has Found out About President Ruto - November 23, 2024
- X Introduces M-Pesa Payment Feature - November 22, 2024
- Matiang’i Ordered to Appear in Court - November 22, 2024
Thursday, June 22, 2023 –Kenyans on social media have continued to react on a scary video showing President William Ruto choked in a speed-scare Safari Rally drive on Wednesday June 21.
Ruto, who was presiding over the 70th Edition Safari Rally event in Naivasha, could be seen accompanying Frenchman driver Pierre-Louis Loubet who sped away with him sending shivers around the country.
Ruto, on his behalf, described the experience as scary but worthy it saying most of those drivers are well informed on how to manouver the rough terrains and cut corners amid speed.
The head of State, albeit hesitantly, wore the rally attire, complete with a helmet and joined Loubet in his car, ready for a 5.4-kilometre high-speed ride.
Sources said, though the Frenchman was instructed not to drive too fast, he knew he had to be extra careful due to the responsibility he carried, literally.
“When the security told me to not go fast and I went fast… I knew I had the biggest responsibility. It was a bit stressful but it was fine,” he responded, grateful that there were no punitive measures taken against him.
Off they went, navigating through the Loldia section. Loubet’s eyes were focused on the road as he could not afford to make any slight mistake during the nerve-raising exercise.
Ruto would thereafter give the experienced driver a thumbs up but had a few risk reservations on the whole experience.
“Absolute madness – but it is an experience you cannot forget. The sheer speed, you can hardly see the road, you can hardly see the bends. These guys are really professional, it’s a life-changing adventure.
“If you ask me whether I want to do this again….ummmh I am not sure,” Ruto said, bursting in laughter.
After a few minutes, it was over and Ruto sighed in relief. You could tell he couldn’t wait to get out of the rally car.
Kenyans among them former Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko said this was a wrong decision to make owing to the value the president carried for the whole country.
“No No No. Nyinyi sasa wacheni mchezo na Rais. Tumewanyamazia sana hii serikali sio yenu peke yenu. Sasa hii gari ikiroll nani atamuokoa Rais??? Wewe Faruk kama kazi imekushinda enda ukalime mahindi,” he noted
Blogger Lord Abraham Mutai argued that anyone could sue the presidential security for putting Kenyan President at high risk.