Ian Gichohi Mwangi – the Kenyan who embarked on an ambitious 10,000-kilometre journey from Cairo, Egypt, to Cape Town in South Africa – has finally returned to the country.
The cyclist’s ambitious journey went viral late in 2024 when he revealed the noble reason behind his extremely challenging journey across more than 8 countries,
Ian’s goal was simple, he wanted to cycle to raise enough school fees for 100 boys and girls, with each student expected to be allocated KSh 1 million.
Having started his journey in November, Gichohi covered an impressive 4,000 kilometres of the 10,800 kilometres by the end of November. By December 31, he had arrived in Cape Town and was ready for the journey back to his home country.
A photo of Ian Mwangi, the cyclist aiming to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
While speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Kennedy Muendo, a Starehe Boy’s Centre alumni and a member of the foundation involved in Ian’s cause, revealed Ian arrived back to the country to a rousing reception from the School’s Band at the Namanga Border.
Despite predictably being extremely drained from his treacherous journey, the cyclist was in high spirits, especially, and was looking forward to returning to Nairobi.
“He arrived at the Namanga border today,” Muendo revealed. “He has been on a 16-day journey from South Africa and arrived in the country today.”
According to Muendo, Ian managed to raise over Ksh4.2 million during his journey – a figure which will go some way in reaching the Ksh100 million target from events lined up by the Old Starehian Society (OSS).
What makes Ian’s feat more impressive is the fact that he was traversed several countries, facing unique challenges whilst his only mode of transport was a bicycle.
In November, he highlighted how he had to forego cycling in countries like South Sudan and Ethiopia for his own safety.
“I couldn’t cycle in Sudan because of the conflict that was ongoing so I had to take a flight to Addis Ababa then cycle to Moyale,” Mwangi revealed.
Insecurity was also a recurring issue for Ian, who faced hostile environments in different countries including Egypt, where he was consistently harrassed by authorities.
The cycling challenge is part of a set of charity events meant to help mitigate the over-reliance of schools on donors.
Mwangi, a web designer by profession, has been cycling for charity since 2019 when he cycled more than 937 kilometres from Busia to Mombasa to raise money for needy students.
A photo of Ian Mwangi, who is looking to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in South Africa. PHOTO/ Courtesy.