Safari Rally legend Prem dies in city

Safari Rally legend Prem Choda, who died Saturday morning at his home in Nairobi, will be remembered for leading the rally’s only husband-and-wife crew in the 1970s and 80s.

According to his younger brother, Manee Choda, Prem passed away quietly Saturday morning.

“Prem has been unwell in the recent past but we thank God that he passed away peacefully while in his sleep yesterday morning.  He has left a big legacy for rally fans across the globe with great performance in the golden days of the Safari Rally when the event was considered as one of the toughest rounds of the World Rally Championship,” Manee told Nation Sport.

Prem , 87, was always navigated by his wife Pauru Choda, and the pair was the only husband-and-wife crew to tackle the Safari Rally in over 30 events.

The record is registered in the Guinness Book of Records for such a prolonged participation.

WRC Safari Rally Chief Executive Officer Phineas Kimathi said he was saddened to learn of the death of a legend.

“A legend has rested. They were true Safari Rally enthusiasts and will remain part of the valuable history of the great event,’’ said Kimathi.

Prem drove cars ranging from a Range Rover, Datsun Violet, and Colt Gallant to Mitsubishi Lancer during the course of his participation when Safari Rally was tough, wet and long.

Reigning Kenya National Championship (KNRC) champion Baldev Chager said it was a sad moment for those who followed Safari Rally during Prem’s career.

“It’s been sad to hear about the demise of Prem Choda. Prem and Paru have been a household name we grew up in the rallying fraternity.

“A very rare and popular husband-and-wife team that made them unique. We forward our deepest condolences to the Choda family in this sad time. May God rest his soul in peace,’’ Chager told Nation Sports.

Sylvia King, who was among the few lady navigators during their participation said: “Deepest condolences to his wife Pauru and family. Prem was a great character and made his mark on motor sport. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.’’

Mike Doughty, then the Clerk of the Course and considered as one of the best organisers of the Safari Rally said: “Prem Choda was a wonderful guy. A happy to have worked with in many of the Safari Rallies. It is so sad to have lost a legend.’’

Prem’s niece, Jasmeer Choda, said it was a very sad moment for the family and fans. “Yes, he lived an amazing life always filled with fun, laughter, and happiness and he ensured that he always fulfilled and lived out his dreams. A wonderful humble soul. May he rest in peace,’’ said Jasmeer.

Choda was cremated later Saturday following at the Hindu Shamshan Bhumi at Kariokor in Nairobi after prayers at the Siri Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Pangani.

Top: The husband-and-wife rallying team of Prem and Pauru Choda and their five-year-old daughter, Yasmin, with their Lancer and Safari trophies in 1976; Above: Pauru and her veteran Safari Rally driver-husband Prem (second right) are joined by some of their friends in the motoring world including Vic Preston Senior, Tara Singh Dogra and the Chodas’ 18-year-old-daughter Rashmi Choda at a ceremony at the Nairobi Hilton in 1990;  Left: The Chodas compete in the Safari Rally in 1979. file/ nation