{"id":367480,"date":"2026-03-16T22:09:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:09:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/?p=367480"},"modified":"2026-03-16T22:10:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:10:55","slug":"mud-mad-excitement-and-fairytale-ending-how-2026-safari-rally-unfolded-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/2026\/03\/16\/mud-mad-excitement-and-fairytale-ending-how-2026-safari-rally-unfolded-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Mud, mad excitement and fairytale ending: How 2026 Safari Rally unfolded (PHOTOS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16, 2026 &#8211; This year&#8217;s Safari Rally was everything that enthusiasts had expected and prayed for. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Billed as the &#8216;world toughest rally&#8217;, the World Rally Championships (WRC) delivered on all fronts, leaving everyone with memories to whet their appetite for more &#8212; at least until next year&#8217;s edition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The weather conditions oscillated between sunny and dry conditions on one hand as well as wet and slippery on the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As was anticipated, this put the mental fortitude of the drivers to the test, let alone their skills on the wheel as well as the ability of their cars to absorb the vagaries of nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50533-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the drivers in action at the WRC Safari Rally. PHOTO\/WILLIAM MWISHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the fans who had congregated in Naivasha from all corners of the country, this battle was just what they had sacrificed their time and resources to come and witness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651228030_18572093158062301_8821519319158819431_n.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rally driver Tinashe Gatimu (L) and her mother\/navigator Caroline Gatimu at the KCB Hospitality Zone. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As early as Monday, Naivasha was a beehive of activities; hotels recorded full bookings whereas small-scale traders made a killing off the thousands of visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/653709065_1392833229550718_8653248994554246857_n.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas the competitors provided the entertainment they so thirsted for on the routes, Capital FM was on hand to provide off-course entertainment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Hospitality Zone at the Sleeping Warrior was a non-stop scene of party vibes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651073535_18572093221062301_671890792705848300_n.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans enjoy themselves at the KCB Hospitality Zone during the Safari Rally. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Music by Capital&#8217;s DJ UV, DJ Slick and the legendary DJ Adrian kept revellers on their feet even as they waited for the cars to pass by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/651183318_1392833232884051_6043626426446885976_n.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rally car passes by at Sleeping Warrior at the WRC Safari Rally. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When they did &#8212; one after the other &#8212; shouts of joy rent the air as everyone cheered them on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"820\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n-1024x820.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n-1024x820.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n-768x615.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650789786_1392833296217378_16742826858539361_n.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Capital FM&#8217;s DJ UV on the &#8216;wheels&#8217; at the KCB Hospitality Zone during the Safari Rally. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was pure ecstasy; one that was unavoidable as grown men and women joined their young ones in expressing their excitement &#8212; roused on by the rumbling machines as they pierced through the dusty, sometimes, wet routes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biting the dust<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was only a matter of time before the brutal nature of the Safari Rally came to the fore as different competitors started to bite the dust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/650459316_18572093149062301_8395596035449919779_n.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Capital FM&#8217;s Omondi Onyatta (L) and Alex Isaboke (right) interview the rallying duo of Caroline Gatimu and her daughter, Tinashe, on Saturday Music and Sports Show. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most notable was then defending champion Elfyn Evans who threw in the towel after damaging his right rear suspension at Elementaita on Saturday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came his Toyota Gazoo Racing counterparts, Oliver Solberg and Sebastien Ogier, who both suffered broken alternators &#8212; dealing a death knell to their ambitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/652741586_18572093074062301_7723156800611790856_n.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Safari Rally fans take in the scenes at Sleeping Warrior. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Up until then, the duo had been occupying the top two positions in the overall standings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then the competition took a fairytale turn as Japanese Takamoto Katsuta ascended to the top of the leaderboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As news seeped through into the Hospitality Zone, there was a buzz of excitement as well as surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50500-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A group of Maasai dancers enjoy themselves at the WRC Safari Rally. PHOTO\/KRISTIAN MALUMBE. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was not hard to understand why various fans were excited about the leadership change considering the backstory behind Katsuta&#8217;s Safari Rally adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 32-year-old has thrice made the podium (2021, 2022 and 2024); sandwiched between these performances was a disappointing 2023 when his car rolled over during the shakedown at Loldia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50575-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rally car in action at the WRC Safari Rally. PHOTO\/WILLIAM MWISHA. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An impressive fourth-place finish regardless, Katsuta had to endure various technical issues, including cooling problems and a broken generator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Japanese was reduced to tears after another disappointing outcome, expressing despair over what had become a never-ending chase for glory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-367492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/sports\/files\/2026\/03\/LIAMMZFOTO-50008-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Toyota Yaris undergoes repairs at the Service Park at the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute. PHOTO\/WILLIAM MWISHA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, by Sunday afternoon, Katsuta was shedding tears of joy after completing the Wolf Power Stage at Hell&#8217;s Gate, which all but confirmed his victory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, there was something for everyone at the 2026 Safari Rally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business was booming, entertainment was non-stop whereas sports scribes had plenty of storylines to choose from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the countdown begins for next year&#8217;s edition, the hope is that it will be one worth the wait for another 300 or so days. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16, 2026 &#8211; This year&#8217;s Safari Rally was everything that enthusiasts had expected and prayed for. Billed as the &#8216;world toughest rally&#8217;, the World Rally Championships (WRC) delivered on all fronts, leaving everyone with memories to whet their appetite for more &#8212; at least until next year&#8217;s edition. The weather conditions oscillated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14362,"featured_media":367481,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[274],"tags":[159,306],"class_list":["post-367480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safari-rally","tag-featured","tag-wrc-safari-rally"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.7.1 (Yoast SEO v25.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Mud, mad excitement and fairytale ending: How 2026 Safari Rally unfolded (PHOTOS) - Capital Sports<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16, 2026 - This year&#039;s Safari Rally was everything that enthusiasts had expected and prayed for. 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