Pauline Sheghu's damaged windscreen/ HANDOUT
Kenyan female driver Pauline Sheghu saw her ambitions of competing on the final day of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally cut short after her windscreen and side windows were vandalised, forcing her to retire from Sunday’s action.
The heartbreaking setback brought an abrupt end to what had been a determined run in the national classification across the punishing Safari terrain.
Under FIA rallying regulations, a car with significant windscreen or window damage cannot continue, primarily due to strict safety requirements and the need to maintain structural integrity.
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A damaged windscreen risks catastrophic failure at high speeds, potentially sending shards of debris into the cockpit and endangering both the driver and co-driver as they power through the demanding gravel stages.
FIA rules further require that the windscreen must allow the driver a clear view of the road ahead. If damage occurs within the driver’s direct line of sight — commonly referred to as Zone A — the car is immediately deemed unroadworthy and cannot be cleared to continue.
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Behind the wheel of her Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Sheghu was forced to retire after posting a cumulative time of 5:15:53.9, placing her seventh in the national classification before the cruel twist of fate ended her rally.
In a statement, Sheghu expressed deep heartbreak at missing the final day of competition, saying: “It is very painful and unfortunate that we cannot finish today’s rally because of the reckless actions of some kids who broke our windscreen and side windows. What was supposed to be a beautiful rally for us has ended in tears.”
Sheghu said she and her co-driver, Linet Ayuko, had given everything to conquer the legendary Safari stages.
“We gave this rally our all and tried our best to complete every stage, but yesterday around Eburu, some kids decided that stoning rally cars was their talent, not knowing the damage and heartbreak they would cause.”
She emphasised that rallying is already an extremely demanding sport that relies heavily on the goodwill and support of fans lining the stages.
“It hurts even more because this sport needs support, not destruction. We came with passion, sacrifice and determination, but we are going home with broken windows and broken hearts,” she lamented.
Despite the crushing disappointment, Sheghu responded with grace.
“We leave everything in God’s hands. May God forgive them, because the pain they have caused us is too much,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the fans, partners and sponsors who supported her throughout the rally.
“To our fans, partners and sponsors, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us,” Sheghu concluded.