Gad Niyomugabo, had just come back to Rwanda for holidays when, a few days later, on Monday, January 9, his 12-year-old son, Ken Irakoze Mugabo, passed on.
The child passed away hours after the school bus he was on had an accident, in Rebero, Kicukiro District.
The school bus crashed into a forested area and injured 24 other children, including Mugabo’s younger brother. During Mugabo’s funeral which was attended by thousands of mourners on Friday, Niyomugabo narrated the last moments, a week earlier, with his son.
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"On Saturday, we went to play basketball at the stadium in Gahanga. I was very happy to see how my son was growing into a good player. As Ken played with his younger brother, Jordan, I felt that this was the best of my holidays,” Niyomugabo said.
"But that was only until Monday morning. It’s great sadness to lose a child. At my age, Ken is not the first person I’ve lost. I lost my parents, one of my siblings, close relatives and close friends. I have seen all that. This is the first time I have lost a child,” said Niyomugabo.
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"But beyond all that, we have a country that cares about every citizen, a country that is concerned about any problem to make sure that it is solved for good,” Niyomugabo said.
President Paul Kagame consoled the children involved in the school bus accident and wished them a quick recovery.
"The leadership has been with us since the accident, from His Excellency the President who consoled us, the parents, right after the accident, to other officials who visited us when we were in hospital and after the tragedy. Their consolation has given us strength.”
Niyomugabo added that his son’s death was God’s wish. "I have come to accept that a person passes on when his time has come,” he said.
Mugabo was laid to rest in the Rusororo cemetery, in Gasabo District, during a ceremony preceded by a requiem at ADEPR Remera church.
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Solange Umutesi, the Executive Administrator of Kicukiro District where the family lives, said: "We are deeply saddened by Ken’s untimely passing. Our country’s leadership has tried to do everything possible to prevent any death from the accident, but some things go beyond what people can do.”
Mugabo’s classmates and teachers said he was talented and unique.
"Ken, you were funny, intelligent and a great class president. You were always there when we needed your help, especially in mathematics. Outside the classroom, you were not only an amazing dribbler in basketball but also a tactful defender in football,” said one of Mugabo’s classmates.
One of his teachers said Mugabo was "a brilliant student, who had a sense of responsibility and was loved by everyone.”