Laikipia leaders take part in car race to promote tourism
What you need to know:
- The amateur race was aimed at depicting the county as a safe destination for holidaymakers.
- As part of peace building efforts, a bull was slaughtered at Lonyiek and roasted.
Laikipia leaders at the weekend drove for 180 kilometres in a campaign to promote tourism ahead of the festive season.
Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, Senator John Kinyua, Woman Rep Catherine Waruguru, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and two MCAs drove from Nanyuki to Lonyiek, one of the areas considered insecure due to threats posed by armed herders.
The amateur race was aimed at depicting the county as a safe destination for holidaymakers.
A total of 40 vehicles and nine motorcyclists took part in the gruelling race through routes that are considered prone to banditry attacks.
CHRISTMAS
Governor Muriithi, driving an Isuzu D-Max and navigated by his deputy John Mwaniki, emerged top after conquering the journey in 4 hours 33 minutes.
After the race, he said the county expects at least 10,000 local and international tourists during the Christmas season.
As part of peace building efforts, a bull was slaughtered at Lonyiek and roasted.
Participants drawn from various communities feasted on the meat after songs, traditional dances and speeches on the need for coexistence.
“The fact that we drove for hours through areas that have been depicted as insecure is a pointer that the region is safe for visitors,” Mr Muriithi said soon after completing the race, dubbed the Laikipia Challenge.
“We seek to preach coexistence among the more than 20 communities residing in Laikipia. We chose Lonyiek since it has been a battleground for herders from Laikipia, Baringo and Samburu counties.”
