Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, is in Rwanda for an official visit aimed at reinforcing and expanding defence cooperation between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
According to a statement from the RDF, General Kahariri’s visit underscores the “excellent defence cooperation” shared between the two neighbouring countries. He was received in Kigali by his Rwandan counterpart, General Mubarak Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF.
During the visit, General Kahariri and his delegation held bilateral discussions at the Ministry of Defence and RDF Headquarters. The talks focused on reviewing ongoing collaborations, identifying new areas of partnership, and exchanging views on regional defence and security dynamics.
General Kahariri also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening military collaboration, enhancing training exchanges, and contributing jointly to peace and stability in the East African region.
Speaking to the media, General Kahariri highlighted the visit’s purpose as a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship between Kenya and Rwanda.
“Our coming here is an affirmation of the strong relationship between our two countries and our defence forces, right from the time Rwanda began rebuilding its forces after the genocide,” said Kahariri. “We are also finalising the Defence Cooperation Agreement, which will further enhance our shared efforts in training, peacekeeping, and regional stability.”
In addition to official meetings, General Kahariri paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. He also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, reflecting on Rwanda’s journey of resilience and recovery.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening military diplomacy between Kenya and Rwanda, fostering mutual trust, and promoting collective security in the region.
