The four-day World Rally Championship (WRC) comes to its climax today with a good race at Hell’s Gate.

The rally which commenced in Karasani, before moving to Naivasha brought thousands of rally fans to Vasha as commonly used to refer to Naivasha.

Signing autographs at Safari Centre was the first thing that the WRC drivers did when they got to Naivasha, this got lots of rally fans in motion.

Rally icon Takamoto Katsuta signing an autograph at Safari centre in Naivasha on June 22, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Those who got the message early enough made their way to the venue fast to meet the drivers on a one-on-one level.

Watch: WRC drivers signing autographs at Safari centre in Naivasha

Most of them could not hold in the giggles and beautiful smiles as they shook hands with the drivers, using the moment to take selfies.

From there, it was time to watch the vehicles throw dust in the air, Kedong’ being the first point spectators got to watch the races. The vast open field was converted into a chill spot and dancing grounds.

Watch: Day 2 of WRC Safari Rally at Kedong ranch in Naivasha

Many of those in attendance term this 70^th edition of the WRC as pure bliss.

Fans from Uganda at the WRC safari rally in Kedong' ranch.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

When we got to Kedong’, one would be forgiven to think the rally was a Ugandan affair owing to the numerous Ugandan flags that flew high.

Odeon Tumwebaze, a motorsport fan who rode to Kenya on this superbike says it was a worthwhile trip to take, as he enjoyed the whole experience.

Odeon Tumwebaze a Ugandan national who rode on his superbike from Kampala to Naivasha for the WRC safari rally.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“From the first stop in Kasarani to Kedong’, Sleeping Warrior, Soysambu, and Hell’s Gate everything was magical,” says Tumwebaze.

Mwende, who says she travelled from Nairobi said the event was everything she had hoped it would be.

“Maybe the hype on the grounds unleashed people’s dance skills. Even my most shy friend got some smooth moves today. I am glad I never miss these rallies,” says Mwende as she continues to jam to an afro beat song while dancing.

Read: Business booms in Naivasha as fans flock Kedong' ranch for WRC Safari rally

Rally fans counted the WRC experience as memorable.

However, those on the road to Nairobi lamented the effect the rally had on their travel, terming this last day of the rally as chaotic after motorists experienced a traffic snarl-up.

Traffic piles up along Nairobi- Nakuru highway after the WRC safari rally on June 25, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Moses Esekon, who was traveling from Nairobi to Nakuru yesterday night, notes that he was stuck in traffic for seven hours between the weighing -bridge area and the Gilgil Overhead Railway.

“I blame this jam on the drivers. Most of them were recklessly overlapping and some cars even went low on fuel making it even harder for us to navigate as they completely blocked the road. WRC has always come with traffic but this year it was crazy,” says Esekon.

Moses Mbugua on the other hand says “After four days of ‘good vibes and inshallah’ at the rally the headache now is how we get home. I am quite lucky I am moving toward Nakuru which is a bit clear for now. Those heading to Nairobi will stay longer on the road,” he says.

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Elated fans, big fast cars and traffic jam colours the WRC Safari rally event

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Purity Kinuthia