Albert Rudatsimburwa, a relative of Mukabayojo, confirmed her death, revealing that she passed away in Nairobi, Kenya.
"She passed away yesterday evening in Nairobi, and I learned of it then. We often spoke on the phone. She last came to Rwanda for the burial of her brother, King Kigeli," he shared.
Rudatsimburwa explained that Mukabayojo was a close relative because " my grandmother was the sister of Musinga."
Mukabayojo was among the children who fled with King Musinga when he was exiled to Moba in Zaïre, (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
King Musinga's reign was marked by significant challenges in Rwanda's history, as the foundational structures of the country were severely impacted during his time in power.
He was deposed by the Belgians, who stripped him of his authority, leaving him powerless unless sanctioned by them.
On November 12, 1931, Charles Voisin, the Governor of Ruanda-Urundi, went to see King Musinga in Nyanza, giving him 48 hours to leave the country.
The King was ordered to surrender national symbols, including Kalinga and other marks of the nation, to the Belgians who had been entrusted with Rwanda by the League of Nations.
On October 14, 1931, Musinga departed from Nyanza, along with his five wives, nine children, his mother Kanjogera, and other family members.
They were taken to a house prepared for them in Gihundwe, near Kamembe Airport. This marked the end of his 36-year reign.
Rudatsimburwa's son, Mutijima Bryon, who was well acquainted with Mukabayojo, added, "Musinga's daughters crossed with their great grandfather. They returned to Rwanda after Rudahigwa ascended the throne."
Mukabayojo married Bideri in a wedding held in Nyanza. Together, they had six children, including Bideri Dieudonne, who passed away last year.
During the '1959 Revolution,' marked by killings targeting Tutsis, Mukabayojo and her family fled to Kenya, where they lived until her last breath.
Mukabayojo's last visit to Rwanda occurred as she came to bury her brother, King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, who was laid to rest in Mwima, near the place of his coronation in 1959, close to the final resting place of their older brother, King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/the-last-surviving-daughter-of-king-musinga-dies
