Tundo could lose Safari ARC points over KMSF administrative feud

Carl Tundo and Tim Jessop, winners of the Africa Rally Championship category at last month’s Safari Rally Kenya, could lose their ARC points because of an administrative issue that has marred their victory.

The Kenya Motorsport Federation (KMSF) released the National Rally Championship standings after the Safari Rally, with Tundo and Jessop missing on the driver and co-driver standings. 

Kawowo Sports spoke to a competitor in the same rally who preferred anonymity;  revealed that the ARC category winners lacked the appropriate authorisation to participate in the Safari.

“It is alleged that Tundo did not have an approved FIA license issued to them by KMSF.

“So if he has no KNRC points, it is automatic that he doesn’t score for ARC as well,” said the competitor.

Kawowo Sports’ attempt to dig deeper on the matter led to even more revealing details within KMSF. 

Currently, there are two sects within the Kenyan Motorsport Federation. There is also a pending court case awaiting a decision.

Two sects currently exist within KMSF; one under former federation head Maina Muturi and the other of the current KMSF President Jim Kahumbura.

With weeks leading up to the Safari Rally, two letters of license authorization were issued to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). 

“It is true, Carl Tundo did not have an approved FIA license from our KMSF. That is why he is not on the KNRC standings,” said the member of KMSF who preferred to be anonymous that Kawowo Sport sought clarification from on the matter.

“The letter on which Tundo appeared was signed by Maina who was barred by the Kenyan courts from interfering with the operations of Kenyan Motorsports Federation,” further revealed our source.

The contestation for authority within KMSF was more evident weeks leading up to the Safari rally and still continues to brew.

Our efforts to reach an official from FIA and ARC to verify the documentation were futile.

According to FIA Regional Rules, a competitor license must be issued by their ASN (National Sporting Authority).

With the mix of who is responsible for authorization within KMSF, ARC winner Tundo could now find himself in a spot of bother with the likelihood of losing the points earned.

The lack of clarity on the matter will likely stir uncertainty as the African Championship continues.

The next round of the African Rally Championship is due in Uganda this May.

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