PEACE AND CALM PAVES WAY FOR SUCCESSFUL 36TH RHINO CHARGE IN BARINGO NORTH

Kosile Village in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, was the scene of a landmark event as the 36th edition of the Rhino Charge was hosted in a region once plagued by insecurity and banditry.  The North Rift region now stands transformed, its newfound stability and peace credited in large part to sustained security operations by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and partner agencies under the Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) multi-agency framework.

The Rhino Charge, one of the world’s most challenging off-road motorsport competitions, attracted 65 elite teams from across the globe. Competitors traversed over 100 square kilometers of unforgiving terrain, navigating 13 control points in a high-stakes display of endurance, strategy, and teamwork. Beyond the motorsport spectacle, the event remained committed to its founding cause, raising funds for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust and promoting environmental conservation.

At the heart of this year’s success was the robust security environment made possible by Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU). Brigadier Joel Arimi, Commander OMU, hailed the event as a clear testament to the impact of sustained security efforts in the region.

“Hosting a world-class event of this magnitude in an area previously referred to as a ‘bandit zone’ is no ordinary accomplishment. It signifies the tangible progress we have made, driven by the Kenya Defence Forces and our multi-agency partners, in close cooperation with the local communities,” Brigadier Arimi remarked.

Brigadier Arimi commended the event organizers, volunteers, and residents for their unwavering commitment and discipline, which contributed to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the three-day event. He underscored the importance of such high-profile engagements in reinforcing public confidence, boosting regional morale, and inspiring continued development.

The success of the 36th Rhino Charge not only placed Baringo North on the global map but also signalled a broader narrative of resilience and transformation. For the KDF and its security partners, the event marked a milestone in their mission to restore and maintain peace in formerly volatile areas, creating an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to flourish.