The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has set out for Kigali, Rwanda, where he will participate in the solemn remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Departing from Nairobi, he was seen off by Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla. Gachagua’s presence at the event, known as ‘Kwibuka 30’, will stand in representation of President William Ruto, alongside several other Heads of State and Government, diplomats, and delegation leaders.
Accompanying the Deputy President are a group of distinguished individuals, including Members of Parliament and notable figures such as PS for the Diaspora Roseline Njogu, and two university student leaders, Justise Badali from Muranga University of Technology and Ngugi Mwaura from Pwani University.
Among the MPs in the delegation are Deputy Majority Leader Owen Mbaya (Kilifi North), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Veronicah Maina (Nominated Senator), Patrick Munene (Igamba Ngombe), Julius Rutto (Kesses), Parashina Samuel (Kajiado South), John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi), Agnes Pareiyo (Narok North), and former Starehe MP Charles Njagua Jaguar.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Remember-Unite-Renew,” marks the beginning of a week-long series of events dedicated to honoring the memory of the Genocide victims, which tragically claimed over a million lives within a span of 100 days from April to July 1994.
In addition to attending the formal proceedings, Deputy President Gachagua will engage with the Kenyan community residing in Rwanda during an evening dinner at Serena Hotel in Kigali. Discussions during the event will touch on various topics, including enhancing the diaspora experience and fostering investment opportunities across different sectors, aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Furthermore, Gachagua will address the efforts undertaken by the Ruto administration to streamline registration and renewal processes for documents, as well as plans to actively involve Kenyan diaspora in trade, democratic processes, and governance.
As part of the government’s efforts to strengthen ties with African states, particularly in the East African region, the Ruto administration aims to ensure the inclusion of all Kenyan citizens living in Rwanda. This endeavor aligns with broader diplomatic strategies aimed at bolstering remittances and bilateral trade between Kenya and its neighbors.
President Ruto has underscored the importance of economic diplomacy in foreign missions, particularly amidst ongoing reforms in sectors such as agriculture, where increased production, notably in tea and coffee, has been spearheaded by the Deputy President.
In various engagements with diplomats and diaspora communities, Deputy President Gachagua has stressed the significance of economic gains for the country, indicating that the performance of envoys will be evaluated based on their contributions to this objective.
