Patrice Evra Graces Kwita Izina 2026

In 2018, Rwanda sealed a sponsorship deal with British football giant Arsenal. Unfortunately, after a long media battle with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Arsenal reconsidered the deal and called for its end in 2026. The deal gave great publicity to Rwanda gorilla safaris. However, long before there was an Arsenal deal or any international sponsorship, there was the Kwita Izina event; a ceremony that mimics the Rwandan traditional naming ceremony for the children. The same idea was adopted to name the new gorillas that are born every year in Volcanoes National Park.

It should be noted that about two decades ago, the mountain gorillas were a critically endangered species on the verge of extinction. Though the conservation of this great sub-species is a collective effort between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is only Rwanda that has offered an event that goes beyond the gorilla trekking experience by inviting other internationally respected figures to have a stake in the conservation of the mountain gorillas.

There are quite a reasonable number of notable personalities that have featured on the previous editions of this event. These include, but are not limited to, King Charles III. He is the most honorable person to have ever graced this event, even though he did so virtually in 2022. The ceremony has been graced by Hollywood stars such as Kevin Hart, Idris Elba, and Michael Bay. International musicians such as Neyo have also graced the same event in previous editions. In the world of football, the event has been graced by Didier Drogba, and this year, Patrice Evra and Moussa Sissoko.

Patrice Evra. Former Manchester United Captain

Patrice Evra is the first former Manchester United player to grace the Kwita Izina event. The only other Manchester United player to officially visit Rwanda in a headlining visit is Quinton Fortune. However, unlike the other stars, his visit was not in line with the Kwita Izina event. On top of that, Patrice Evra has a greater football profile, having shared a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime. He once captained Manchester United and rested his footballing tools, with five Premier League titles to his name and a Champions League title.

Evra has also shared the ceremony with Mokgweetsi Masisi, the former president of Botswana. In the company of the greats, Patrice Evra has named his mountain gorilla Muganura, meaning national harvest. We have transcribed the details of his speech during the name ceremony and here is what he had to say.

Now it is such a pleasure to be here. And every single day, I’m falling in love more with your country but also with your people. Memorial of the genocide it was a really deep day for me, but at the end really inspirational because some people forgive, some people don’t. But after that I was Patrice; you need to do more for Rwanda. Because what I see, what you are building, you know, I think you should say thank you very much to your president. I met him six years ago and I couldn’t believe the work has been done. Even today for this ceremony, the logistics, everything was perfect. And I think many African countries should take example of Rwanda.

I am here in KCC. Is he…? Thank you for having me. Now I’m going to name my baby gorilla his name is; “I love this game Junior” No, I’m joking, sorry, I have to follow the script. No, but the name is Muganura. Its memorial of Everest and Thanksgiving. Its come from the family is the first infants. Sorry, I’m like Mamadou Sakho, like I say. I will read the script now. So, he is inspired by Rwanda traditional celebration of harvest and thanksgiving. He is my football first infant. So thank you again. Really from the deepest of my heart, the kids were singing and dancing. I love this energy. It is very beautiful energy in Rwanda.

And like I said, I am supposed to fly on Saturday, but I think I’m going to extend my stay because it is too good. But anyway, like I always say, my Rwanda peoples, I love you and take care of yourself and of course don’t forget to love this game.