"Don’t drink and drive. Your life and that of other road users matters”. That was the key message as various local musical acts entertained Kigalians at a concert dubbed Don’t Drink And Drive, on Friday afternoon.

Organised by the Rwanda National Police (RNP), the show was intended to sensitise road users on best road safety practices to prevent unnecessary road carnage.

The show, at the IPRC Kigali Stadium in Kicukiro, kicked off at 2p.m, with opening performances from the Police band. Local R&B singer Bruce Melodie was the show’s headliner and closed the show.

Other performances came from the Uruyenzi Troupe, and Rwandan folk musician Intore Tuyisenge. During their performances, each of the entertainers repeatedly stressed the need to safeguard not only their own lives, but also that of other road users.

Most of the messages were tailored towards taxi moto (commercial motorcycle) operators, who turned up in large numbers for the free concert.

Present at the concert were several government officials, and senior officials from the Rwanda National Police.

Among government officials present was Minister of State in charge of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Dr Patrick Ndimubanzi, who had a word for the concert goers.

"Do you really have to trade your life with a few bottles of alcohol? Think of the society and the people around you before taking a life threatening risk of driving under the influence of alcohol.”

Deputy Inspector General of Police  Juvenal Marizamunda, who represented the Rwanda National Police, urged motorists to desist from driving while under the influence of alcohol and other mind altering substances:

"For someone to drive, they must be in their right state of mind. Anyone intoxicated is not only risking their own lives, but also that of other road users and also poses a risk to property.”

He concluded by urging motorists to know when to drink and when to drive, but to never mix the two.

"Driving requires you to be in charge of all your senses. Drinking and driving makes you think you are moving normally, yet you are speeding,” Minister Ndimubanzi noted.

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