[PHOTOS] Ruto lays wreath at Freedom Park during South Africa state visit

President William Ruto bows to pay respect to the fallen heroes and heroines during his visit at the Freedom Park Memorial on June 4, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday paid tribute to South Africa’s liberation heroes and heroines during a visit to Freedom Park Memorial Museum in Pretoria, where he laid wreaths in honour of those who sacrificed for the country’s freedom.

Accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, the President also signed the memorial visitors’ book during the visit, which formed part of his two-day State Visit to South Africa.

In a message shared after the visit, Ruto described the memorial as a sacred place that preserves the memory of men and women who fought for liberty, dignity and self-determination.

“Profoundly honoured to visit Freedom Park Memorial Museum in Pretoria, South Africa, to lay wreaths in tribute to South Africa’s heroes and heroines,” Ruto said.

“This sacred place bears witness to the nation’s hard-fought freedom struggle and preserves the memory of those who sacrificed life and limb for liberty, dignity and self-determination.”

The President said Kenya joined the people of South Africa in honouring those whose sacrifices made the country’s independence and democratic journey possible.

“We join the people of South Africa in forever saluting and cherishing these heroes and heroines for their selflessness that made the independence of this beautiful country possible,” he said.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto are welcomed by a guard of honour at Freedom Park on June 4, 2026 / PCS

Freedom Park is one of South Africa’s most significant national heritage sites and commemorates individuals who contributed to the country’s struggle against colonialism, apartheid and other conflicts throughout its history.

The visit came shortly after Ruto held bilateral talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of six agreements covering trade facilitation, shipping and maritime cooperation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, technical and vocational education, arts and heritage, and sports and recreation.

Kenya and South Africa have maintained diplomatic relations since South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994 and are among Africa’s leading economies.

During the State Visit, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Freedom Park stands as a symbol of reconciliation, remembrance and nation-building in South Africa, attracting leaders and visitors from across the world who pay tribute to those who contributed to the country’s freedom and democracy.

President William Ruto signs the official guest book, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto and other dignitaries on June 4, 2026 / PCS