Muchemi’s legacy lives

Muchemi was full of ideas to promote motor sport let alone helping in charity work. He will be remembered for his efforts to sustain the Media Rally, which has blossomed since its introduction in 2001.

Several rally drivers and navigators have sent their condolence message and visited the family of the fallen hero.

Muchemi was a great ambassador to local rallying and a key player in whipping up the enthusiasm of African drivers into the spotlight. Indeed, he never shirked from supporting youngsters and local drivers from joining the sport.

Inspired drivers

Waita Nzioka, a rally driver mentored by Muchemi said: “He was my mentor, my friend and my biggest supporter. He inspired me with his courage and determination to fight against the odds. His generosity knew no bounds and it is because of him that I took up rallying. May he rest in peace.”

The 2WD National champion Dennis Mwenda said: “I will fondly remember Ben Muchemi for giving me the rally bug. He allowed me to drive one of his rally cars at Jamhuri Park during one of the Media Rallies and with that my rallying career was born. My condolences to his family.”

Decade of rallying

Muchemi started his career 13 years ago inspired by the late John Ngunjiri. Until his death, he was the chairman of the Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB), a director at Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) and chairman of Rallye Sports Club (RSC).

As a  businessman he was  innovative and his success story spoke volumes. Besides running his Forward Mobiles company, Muchemi was also the chairman of Safaricom dealers in Kenya.

This year Muchemi was the Event Director for the KCB Safari Rally. Muchemi owned a total of 28 rally cars, which he used in his rally academy — The Safaricom Kenya Rally School.

Julius Ngigi, the chairman of Motorsport Safety Commission at KMSF said Muchemi was an inspiration to many in the industry.

“Muchemi’s legacy will live on. His story has just begun,” Ngigi said.

Baba Ciru was diagnosed with stomach cancer on February 26, 2008 and came out publicly about it. He has been rallying in autocross, buggies and main rally with the cancer challenge, which forced him to endure regular check-up in India.