President Paul Kagame has said it is illogical for people to make a big issue out of him falling sick, emphasizing that he is human like everyone else.
The Head of State made the remarks on Friday, July 4, during a press briefing.
This follows recent days where opposition groups spread rumors on social media claiming the President was ill, with some even alleging that he had died.
President Kagame told journalists that no human being lives forever, urging people to reflect on that reality.
“First of all, no one lives forever. Secondly, whether life is short or long, as a human being, you must accept it,” he said.
He added:
“When it comes to politics, perhaps people ignore this. Honestly, some of my health issues could be due to caring about you, the people. So yes, I am human. People catch COVID, flu, colds… A person might even be walking and suddenly collapse from heart failure. Isn’t that normal? So where’s the problem?”
The President went on to say that those spreading false news about his death or illness might actually die before he does — because they too are human.
“Someone might be saying bad things about someone — about me — wishing me dead, saying ‘he’s dead’… But later, I’m still here and that person is already gone. Not because I did anything, but because they too are human like me.”
President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has matured beyond using health rumors as political tools.
“This goes beyond foolishness — it doesn’t even make sense. You may feel joy seeing someone in a coffin being buried, thinking ‘Ah, we’re finally rid of him!’ Then, one kilometer down the road, you end up dying before they do.”
He concluded by reassuring the nation:
“The good thing is, I’m still alive and doing well.”
