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Ruto said Rwanda is a shining example of the people's immeasurable power not only to overcome adversity but also to reconcile and live as one people.
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The theme of 2024's genocide commemoration is "Remember-Unite-Renew".
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has lauded the leadership style of Rwanda's President Paul Kagame as the country marks 30 years since a genocide that claimed the lives of 800,000 people.
Ruto through his social media page on Monday said Kagame's leadership style is purposeful adding that the Rwandese President is full of courage.
"I commend my brother, President Paul Kagame, for his resolute leadership, tremendous courage and abundant foresight," Ruto said.
Ruto said Rwanda has made great strides in its growth since the genocide took place in 1994.
"Thirty years since the Rwanda genocide, the country has made tremendous progress that demonstrates the total resilience of the people and the government of Rwanda," Ruto said.
The Head of State said Rwanda is a shining example of the people's immeasurable power not only to overcome adversity but also to reconcile and live as one people.
"The people and government of Kenya wish him and the people of Rwanda Godspeed as they continue to build their country to even greater heights," he said.
Initiated by Hutu extremists, the genocide saw neighbours turning against each other, resulting in one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century.
Lasting for 100 days until the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) rebel militia seized control of Kigali in July 1994, the violence claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus.
Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, who led the RPF, Rwanda has appeared to have made progress.
However, the scars of the violence remain.
To honour the victims, April 7, the day the genocide began in 1994, was marked by President Kagame lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
More than 250,000 victims are believed to be buried in that place.
The theme of 2024's genocide commemoration is "Remember-Unite-Renew".
Kagame lay wreaths on the mass graves, joined by foreign dignitaries, including former US President Bill Clinton.
Sunday's event signalled the start of a week of national mourning, with Rwanda effectively coming to a standstill and national flags flown at half-mast.
Music will not be allowed in public places or on the radio, and sports events and movies are banned from TV broadcasts unless related to the "Kwibuka (Remembrance) 30" initiative.
The United Nations and the African Union will also hold remembrance ceremonies.
Despite the passage of time, new mass graves continue to be discovered annually.
In 2002, Rwanda established community tribunals where victims heard confessions from their persecutors, although rights watchdogs expressed concerns about miscarriages of justice.
Currently, Rwandan ID cards do not mention ethnicity, and secondary school students learn about the genocide as part of a tightly controlled curriculum.