Rwandans living in Kenya came together to commemorate the 31st anniversary of National Heroes’ Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring those who have made exceptional sacrifices for Rwanda’s unity, peace and development.
The event, organized by the Rwandan Embassy in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora in Kenya, provided a platform to reflect on the country’s past and inspire present and future generations to uphold heroic values.
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Ambassador Martin Ngoga emphasized the significance of National Heroes’ Day, which is celebrated annually on February 1st but was marked on a later date this year due to other engagements.
He reminded attendees that the day serves as a moment to pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in various historical periods of Rwanda’s journey.
“This year, National Heroes’ Day is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Heroism and Unity, for Rwanda’s Development.’ A hero is anyone who selflessly dedicates themselves to the benefit of others and their country,” the Ambassador stated.
“We particularly remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, categorizing them into three levels: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.”
Attendees were urged to not only honour the heroes of the past but to also embody heroism in their everyday lives by choosing integrity, fighting injustice, prioritizing the common good, and working towards national development.
The Ambassador highlighted that true heroes are those who contribute to building a strong and unified Rwanda, whether as entrepreneurs, educators, workers, or responsible citizens.
The gathering also reflected on Rwanda’s remarkable journey of rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The government’s commitment to fostering unity, patriotism, hard work and dedication has been credited to the nation’s progress over the last three decades.
However, despite these strides, the Ambassador noted that challenges still remain and the responsibility to confront them with integrity and resilience falls on every Rwandan.
Quoting President Paul Kagame’s message for National Heroes’ Day, he reiterated, “It is the responsibility of everyone, young and old, to confront the challenges we face with integrity, to stand firm in truth, and to keep building our country beyond what others may expect of us.”
The event concluded with a call to the youth to carry forward the legacy of heroism, ensuring that Rwanda’s future remains secure and prosperous.
Participants were encouraged to continue strengthening their bonds as Rwandans and to take an active role in shaping the country’s development.
As the celebrations ended, the spirit of unity and patriotism resonated among the attendees, reaffirming their commitment to the values of heroism and national progress.
