NAIROBI, Kenya, March 15, 2026 — Kenya’s celebrated female rally driver, Pauline Sheghu, suffered a devastating end to her WRC Safari Rally campaign after her car was targeted and stoned by vandals on the course.
Driving a Subaru Impreza STi N12 alongside co-driver Linet Ayuko, the trailblazing journalist was making her fourth appearance in the prestigious global motorsport event. However, her journey came to a premature and heartbreaking halt on Friday following the reckless incident near Eburu.
According to Sheghu, a group of individuals threw stones at her competing vehicle, severely shattering the windscreen and side windows.
“What was supposed to be a beautiful rally for us has ended in tears…”
“It is very painful and unfortunate that we cannot finish today’s rally because of the reckless actions of some individuals who broke our windscreen and side mirrors,” a heartbroken Sheghu shared. “Yesterday around Eburu, some kids decided that stoning rally cars was their talent, not knowing the damage and heartbreak they would cause.”
The veteran driver admitted that the abrupt retirement felt like a dagger to the heart, noting the immense sacrifice and passion required to compete at the World Rally Championship level.
“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 expressed.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Sheghu remains resilient. Displaying the tenacity that has made her a fan favorite in Kenyan motorsport, she has vowed to bounce back stronger for the next edition.
“We leave everything in God’s hands. May God forgive them, because the pain they have caused us is too much,” she said.
Sheghu also took a moment to express her profound gratitude to those who backed her journey: “To our fans, partners, and sponsors, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us. We gave this rally our all and tried our best to complete every stage
