Drugged and Robbed: Inside the Dark Nightlife of the WRC Safari Rally

Several attendees at the Safari Rally in Naivasha have reported incidents of drink-spiking, leading to theft of cash and personal belongings during the event.

The three-day rally attracted large crowds from across Kenya and abroad, filling hotels, campsites, and entertainment venues. While local businesses recorded strong sales, some visitors reported being drugged in crowded nightlife settings before waking to find money, phones, and other valuables missing. The practice, commonly referred to as “mchele” in Kenya, is a known form of crime in busy clubs where monitoring drinks can be difficult.

One victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he lost Sh80,000 in cash along with his phone and wallet after a night out with friends. He recalled dancing briefly before losing consciousness and later waking up disoriented without his belongings. 

A female attendee described a similar experience, saying that she felt unusually weak after accepting a drink from a stranger and later discovered that her handbag had been emptied. Neither victim reported the incident to police, citing concerns about ridicule.

Naivasha Sub-County Police Commander Wilson Sigei confirmed that no formal complaints had been received. He urged victims to report such incidents, noting that investigations depend on official reports. He acknowledged that such cases can occur during large public events.

The rally weekend also saw heavy traffic along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, with several accidents involving intoxicated drivers and motorcyclists. Law enforcement faced increased pressure in managing both road safety and crowd control.

Despite these incidents, the event generated significant economic activity, with high occupancy rates in hotels and increased business for restaurants and other service providers.