‘Vasha Vice Rally’ gives snapshot of our readiness to speed into sin

Traffic jam at Kinangop junction along Nairobi-Naivasha road due to WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The return of the Safari Rally has been celebrated for restoring Kenya’s glory. But this year’s event was running concurrently with another rally–the Sin Safari; a rally that crowns the most successful wreck of glory.

The rush to Naivasha (or Vasha) was not just to see the cars. To many, it was a sin rush. Their interest was not to secure places in the spectator spots. Such spots would be too open for their intents. They rushed to secure places in the vice fields far away from the cars. Many went early in the name of Safari Rally but had no idea when the rally started or ended. So near yet so far.

Such is the spirit of ‘Subaruism’. It is about illegal speed. It is about an unbearable roar. It is about a dark tint. Ultimately, it is the feeling of being an unstoppable yet celebrated sin machine. The fast speed leaves no room for reflection. With this, more than thrill, regrets are part of Subaruism. A look in the mirror makes one ask, “What was I thinking?” But whatever happened was too fast, too speedy for thought.