Rwandese community in Kenya unites during cultural extravaganza

When Rwandese nationals performed a traditional dance at the opening of East Africa Local Authority games at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu County. [File, Standard]

Rwandese living in Kenya on Friday evening held a cultural night that sought to celebrate their culture.

The event was organised by Rwandan Community in Kenya and sponsored by Rwanda High Commission in Kenya, RwandAir and Agha Khan University Hospital.

The hospital offered free medical checkups to invited guests.

Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya Martin Ngoga said culture is the essence of who they are as individuals and communities.

"It embodies our traditions, norms, beliefs, values, and artistic expressions, serving as a bridge that connects people across borders and generations. As Rwandans specifically, cultural celebrations like these remind us the numerous things we have in common as a people, and how we should build on them to forge our precious unity and common understanding," said Ngoga.

Ngoga said through music, dance, art, food and literature, the world can transcend language barriers and celebrate the universal language of humanity.

Mr Ngoga said since ancient times, culture has been a fundamental cornerstone on which Rwanda was built.

"Through plays, dances, music, and cultural celebrations, Rwandans would come together, celebrate their commonalities, sort out thorny issues, and collectively chart their common future," he said.

He said culture remains a crucial pillar which has birthed most of the initiatives credited for the Rwanda's transformation especially after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The initiatives include Gacaca, which was used to try cases of genocide at the community level and Umuganda which brings them together every last Saturday of the month to clean their surroundings and discuss issues of concern in the community.

The other is Umushyikirano, which is an annual gathering bringing together government officials, citizens and the civil society to discuss issues affecting the nation and collectively suggest solutions.

Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba lauded Presidents William Ruto and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who have been in the forefront in pushing free visa entry for the East Africa Community (EAC) Member States.

"This is the only region in the whole of Africa that boasts of the East African passport with very clear intent of free movement of people, goods, services, ideas and everything and the champion of this agenda are the two presidents," said Namwamba.

He added: "And so, I can say that I am proud of our two leaders who want to see Africa fly, proud and have a shared prosperity and am proud to be an East African."

Namwmaba who was in Rwanda recently for the burial of late Gervais Hakizimana, athlete and coach of Kenyan athlete Kevin Kiptum, said the two countries will continue to support the families of the two.

The CS said Kenyans have a lot to learn about Rwanda, adding that it's an incredible country with amazing history.