The much-anticipated inaugural of Mt. Kenya University beauty pageant held at Sports View Hotel in Remera, Kigali, last Friday, was full of thrills and trappings.

The university’s auditorium was jam-packed as anxious students watched contestants swagger on the well-decorated stage.

As early as 7pm that Friday night, eagerness built up around the Mt. Kenya University’s main campus as celebrated musicians flocked the venue in style.

Artistes such as Uncle Austin, Kamichi and Knowles, sauntered on stage performing their chart-topping tracks to a rapturous crowd. Their performances swept through the night as they charmed the crowd.

But Kamichi was the star of the night. The organisers spared him for the last, and he did not disappoint.

With an energetic stage presence, Kamichi raised the roof with his rendition of ‘Ahoruzingiye’, as the crowd sang and danced along.

There were also great mixes as the DJ sent the mammoth crowd into a frenzy — and the party was on.

As the night progressed, the judges reached the verdict and declared Gerald Gatete 22, and Fadia Uwera, 20 as the fairest of them all — Mr and Miss Mt. Kenya University 2011-2012 — and the auditorium burst in excitement.

Gatete and Uwera beat 13 contestants to lift the prestigious Mr. and Miss Mt. Kenya University crowns.

Gatete said that besides representing the university, the contest gives students a chance to exploit their talents.

Lost for words, Uwera tried to fight back tears as she gathered herself together and waved to the crowd.

"I believe having this type of contests in our schools encourages students to be creative, it also promotes hard work and our culture among others,” Uwera said.

Both winners received a cash prize of Rwf200, 000 each, in addition to a year’s supply of Sulfo products and dinner courtesy of Kigali Serena Hotel.

Sylvia Nshuti and Emmanuel Murenzi emerged as first runners-up, respectively, walking away with a Rwf150, 000 cash prize, six months supply of Sulfo products each, as well as a night’s accomodation at The Manor Hotel.

The seond runners-up, Rachael Uwineza and Norbert Mugwaneza were also awarded Rwf100, 000 and a package of Sulfo products, each.

Also recognised were Mr. and Miss Photogenic, Fidelis Tega Karangwa and Fasi Munyangaju – as well as Mr. and Miss Popularity Nicolas Musonera and Aste Ngarambe.

The beauty pageant was held under the theme "Beauty with a Purpose”.

Miss East Africa University-Rwanda chapter, Fiona Kamikaza, Miss National University of Rwanda (NUR), Dorothy Mutesi and Miss SFB second runners-up, Teta Sandra, were among the invited guests.

Ends