Kigeli V Ndahindurwa Umwami of Rwanda, the last ruling King of Rwanda, had a fascinating life. Born on June 29, 1936, in Kamembe, Rwanda, he was the son of King Yuhi V Musinga and Queen Mukashema. Kigeli’s life took a dramatic turn when his half-brother, King Mutara III Rudahigwa, died under mysterious circumstances in 1959. He was just 23 years old when he became the King of Rwanda, a position he held until the monarchy was abolished in 1961.
During his reign, Kigeli faced significant challenges, including ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. Despite his efforts to promote peace and harmony, the monarchy was eventually overthrown, and Kigeli was forced into exile. He spent many years living in various countries, including the United States, where he was granted political asylum in 1992.
In exile, Kigeli remained committed to his people and worked tirelessly to promote humanitarian causes. He founded the King Kigeli V Foundation, which focused on supporting Rwandan refugees. Kigeli also maintained strong connections with his cultural heritage, preserving the traditions and customs of the Rwandan monarchy.
Interestingly, Kigeli expressed a desire to return to Rwanda and serve as a constitutional monarch, but only if the people wanted him to. He even met with President Paul Kagame to discuss the possibility. Unfortunately, Kigeli passed away on October 16, 2016, at the age of 80. His legacy lives on, however, and his commitment to his people and culture continues to inspire others
King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa was a humanitarian at heart, and his charitable endeavors were focused on supporting Rwandan refugees. As the head of the King Kigeli V Foundation, he worked tirelessly to bring humanitarian initiatives to those in need.
The King Kigeli V Foundation’s mission was to provide aid and support to Rwandan refugees, and Kigeli’s dedication to this cause was unwavering. His commitment to helping others was evident throughout his life, and his foundation continues to be a testament to his humanitarian spirit.
It’s worth noting that Kigeli’s charitable work was not limited to his foundation. He also traveled internationally to speak on behalf of the Rwandan people and advocated for peace and harmony between different groups. His selflessness and compassion earned him recognition and respect from people around the world.
