Fahim, Marini, Fernandes all set as Shell Auto 6 returns to Kasarani SSS
Fahim, Marini, Fernandes all set as Shell Auto 6 returns to Kasarani SSS
The Shell Natuonal Autox and Autox Plus Championship returns to the Kasarani SSS Racetrack this weekend for Round 6, with drivers predicting a fast, technical and highly competitive affair on a new surface.
Fahim Abdulmalik of Fadhe Rally Team and Clement Marini of Team MRT Racing in the Open Class driving an EVO7, say they are ready for the change of terrain from Stoni Athi to the compacted Kasarani circuit.
“Everything is now changing to Kasarani, and we’re happy to be there,” said Abdulmalik.
“We’re preparing well. Everything is going right. We’re just having a few details sorted here and there. But we’re happy with our preparations.”
Abdulmalik said Kasarani offers a completely different challenge.
“It’s a good track to drive on, better than other side of town. It’s a track you can enjoy and push the car to its limits. Kasarani is a compacted ground, so you need to make sure your tyre pressure is right. Your suspension is right,” he said.
For Marini, Round 6 will demand a different strategy after the punishing Stoni Atui round.
Marini is running in the open class as part of Team MR7 Racing, driving an EVO7.
“!Here, we are heading to Kasarani. Quite a different strategy from Stoni Athi. Stoni was definitely rocky and rutty, so this one is a bit more smoother but shorter in terms of distances,” said Marini.
He said the inclusion of side-by-side racing will raise the stakes.
“Kasarani also has side by side racing. So that’s going to be well in terms of competition,” he said.
Meanwhile, former National Quad Bike Champion Wayne Fernandes is set to make a highly anticipated return to competition when he brings his Yamaha Raptor 700 to Kasarani.
Fernandes, the 2019 National Quad Bike Champion and 2020 runner-up, last competed on a quad in the National Autocross Championship in 2024.
His return marks his first appearance on the bike in the championship since then, adding another experienced name to the field as competitors prepare to battle the clock at Kasarani.
A familiar figure both on and off the track, Fernandes has remained deeply involved in the sport since the 254 Motorsport Club launched the series in 2025. Alongside his role on the organising and officials team of 254 Motorsport Club and Motorsport Kenya Federation, he has also competed as co-driver alongside 2025/2026 Autocross and Autocross Plus champion Neel Gohil.
With Neel currently taking a break from motorsport to attend university abroad, Fernandes saw an opportunity to return to his roots and get back behind the handlebars.
“As Neel is taking a break from motorsport to attend university abroad, I decided it was time to dust off the cobwebs and see what it’s like to be back on the bike,” he said.
Fernandes also expressed his appreciation to Tai Racing for supporting his comeback.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Tai Racing, who stepped in and sponsored me. A big thank you to the team — it is highly appreciated.”
The 254 Motorsports Club Chairman Sushil Gohil hailed the success of the Shell Autox & AutoX Plus Championship, saying stakeholder involvement has been key to its growth.
“Autox has grown tremendously because of the commitment from the Federation (MK-F), drivers, sponsors, 254 officials, and fans. Every individual and entity have put in the much needed effort to bring new drivers and keep the championship competitive. That involvement is what is driving the success we are seeing today,” said Gohil.
New lady Event Director Ishy Renu said competitor enthusiasm is at an all-time high ahead of Round 6 at Kasarani SSS Racetrack.
“The enthusiasm from competitors has been amazing. We have so many entrants across all classes, and the competition is very tight. Kasarani SSS is a technical track, and with side-by-side racing, it will make it really exciting for all entrants and fans alike,” said Renu.
[06/10, 14:55] Cyrus Ombati Star: Former German spy chief arrested for espionage and treason
Former German spy chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office says.
Hanning headed the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and has since been working as a private consultant.
Prosecutors allege that he used classified intelligence to “draft an analysis” for one foreign intelligence service and maintained contact with another foreign spying service. Investigators have not disclosed which foreign powers were involved.
Police also arrested former BND employee Mandred D, accusing him of passing Hanning about 2,000 classified documents for money.
Manfred D, who was Hanning’s bureau chief and remained in the BND until this year, is charged with aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.
Local media reported Hanning was arrested at his home in Nordwalde near Münster while Manfred D was arrested in Bavaria. Hanning is due in court on Wednesday and Manfred D will appear on Tuesday.
Prosecutors say Mandred D, who also served as the chief of staff for Hanning’s successors between 2012 and 2026, used his role to gain access to highly confidential information which he then passed on to Hanning “in exchange for remuneration”.
“The current findings suggest that, over the years, Manfred D provided Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which contained classified information to be used exclusively by the Federal Intelligence Service for internal purposes,” the statement says.
“On one occasion, Hanning used classified intelligence … to draft an analysis for an officer of a foreign intelligence service,” prosecutors said, noting it was not clear if “the material reached the intended recipient”.
Hanning is also accused of being “in close contact with a representative of another foreign intelligence service, to whom he passed on political information, partially based on material provided by Manfred D, for several years”.
Local media say Hanning’s alleged possession of intelligence documents came to light during a separate case relating to German steakhouse heiress Christina Block.
Hamburg public prosecutor’s office accused Block of orchestrating the kidnapping of her two youngest children in 2023 due to a custody dispute. Investigators allege Hanning was involved in an earlier attempted kidnapping of the children, which he denies.
State criminal police officers reportedly discovered an electronic data storage device containing sensitive information including recent BND documents.
It is not the first time the BND has faced similar controversy. A high-ranking German intelligence officer was charged with treason in 2023 for allegedly passing state secrets to Russia.
Prosecutors alleged Carsten L shared intelligence about the war in Ukraine and the Wagner mercenary group and received roughly €400,000 ($450,000; £340,000). His trial is ongoing.
By BBC News