NAIROBI, Kenya – The organization of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya has been thrown into uncertainty after the High Court nullified an agreement between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF).
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Anne Nyoike ruled that the contract, signed on January 25, 2025, by suspended KMSF Chairman Maina Muturi, lacked legal standing as it was executed in violation of a court order barring him from handling the federation’s affairs.
“The agreement executed by the respondent is null and void for lack of legal basis,” the ruling stated.
The court has given Muturi seven days to explain why he should not be committed to civil jail for disobeying court orders.
He is also required to appear before the court on March 25 to answer contempt charges.
The case was filed by KMSF Director James Kahumbura, who argued that Muturi acted without proper authorization.
The court upheld this claim, noting that Muturi failed to challenge the restraining order or justify his decision to proceed with the agreement.
With the WRC Safari Rally set for March 20–23, the ruling has cast a shadow over the event’s organization.
Stakeholders now await further clarification on whether the agreement can be renegotiated or if alternative arrangements will be made to ensure the event proceeds as planned.
