By Norman Katende and Reuben Olita

RALLY driver Riyaz Kurji has pulled out of the Total South Africa rally following the death of his two-advance crew members.

“I have pulled out of the South African race,” Kurji said yesterday.
Bax Kasamali and Muhamood Khan, a mechanic, are reported to have died from a poisonous gas, carbon monoxide, while transporting Kurji’s car, a Subaru Impreza group N10 for the rally.

The poisonous gas is reportedly to have been emitted from a generator they were using in their bus while waiting Friday night for the Namanga border to open, Kenyan Police confirmed.

A doctor at Mulago said that the generator must have been faulty and produced carbon monoxide — a gas produced due to incomplete combustion of fuels. Carbon monoxide consumes body oxygen leading to suffocation.

Their colleagues, Andy Musoke and Dan Ssennyonjo got treatment at Namanga Hospital and return today. Muhmood was buried yesterday while Kasumali will be laid to rest on Friday.

Kenya motor sports general manager Mohamed Khan has sent FMU sympathies.