Thousands attend funeral of Rwanda's last King Kigeli V

Rwanda's last King Kigeli V was Sunday laid to rest at his home place in Nyanza district in southern Rwanda.

He was buried at the top of the mountain of Mwima next to the tomb of his late brother Mutara Rudahigwa.

The funeral ceremony attended by droves of mourners started with a requiem mass led by Bishop Phillipe Rukamba of Butare Diocese held in the courtyard of national museum, former royal palace.

Julienne Uwacu, Rwanda's minister of Culture and sports said the government condoled with the family upon the passing of the former King.

We express our sincere condolences to the family and we wish to promise our support, she said.

Monarchies from the east African region of Buganda, Toro, Ankole in Uganda and Burundi eulogized late King Kigeli as peace loving person.

A message from Ankole Kingdom in Uganda commended Rwandan President Paul Kagame for allowing repatriation of the remains of the late King for burial in Rwanda.

"We enjoyed good relationship with him (King Kigeli); May God almighty grant his soul everlasting peace," a statement said.

Pastor Ezra Mpyisi, a former close aid and adviser to the late King, commended relatives who fought a legal battle in the United States for the repatriation of the former King's body.

"He died with dignity, his name will go down in history as the most loving person, intelligent brilliant and a peacemaker. He had never acquired any other citizenship which demonstrates his patriotism," he said.

An elderly princess Speciose Mukabayojo, who grew up with the former King recalled their childhood love and appreciated the decent send off.

"I am glad we are sending him off where he was crowned as the King and next to old brother Late King Mutara Rudahigwa," she said.

She commended the Rwandan Government for its support toward repatriation of the body of the former King. Endit