At least 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, on Friday, gathered at the Rwanda High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, to mark the 22nd Anniversary of Liberation.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, James Kimonyo, thanked those who took time off to celebrate this historic day, which he said not only marked the end of the Genocide, but also marked the beginning of a new Rwanda that belong to all citizens.

“One of the fundamental requisites for liberation is the determination to fight for it, but that exacts a painful price. We are gathered here today to honor and salute in a very special way the brave men and women of the then RPA who fought in the struggle for freedom and dignity and those who gave their lives to protect innocent civilians and defend the country from total destruction,” Kimonyo said.

He noted that the Liberation Struggle was sparked by decades of divisive politics, abuse of fundamental human rights, greed and mass killings perpetuated by colonial administration and post-independence regimes.

During his remarks, he illustrated the idea behind liberation struggle by showing a video clip that was filmed in 1991 in which the then Commander in Chief of RPA and current President Paul Kagame cautioned his troops on why they have to be different from those in the Government they were fighting.

“I decided to make this part of my remarks because when I look back into our struggle and what we have achieved over 22 years, what comes to mind is the fact that all we are celebrating today is the outcome of visionary leadership and its capacity to align the masses behind it,” Kimonyo said.

Aden Duale, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly of Kenya, who was the chief guest, thanked Rwandans and their leadership for resilience that characterised them for the past 22 years.

He said Rwanda has rewritten its story as evidenced by its rise from ashes to forge on with successfully rebuilding her nation and, therefore, Rwanda is an inspiration to many other countries on the continent.

“The fact that Kigali will host the 27th Summit of the African Union in the next few days is a statement to this,” he said.

The AU Summit opened in Kigali yesterday.

The event to mark 22nd Liberation Anniversary in Nairobi was attended by various guests that included Kenyan government officials, diplomatic corps and Rwandans living in Nairobi.

It was characterised by traditional dance and performance by Kenyan renowned afro-pop band, Sauti Sol, who in one of their songs appreciates the charisma of President Kagame.

Popular Burundian singer Kidumu Kibido also performed for the celebrants.