The Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces (CDF-KDF), General Charles Muriu Kahariri, visited Rwanda from November 4 to 7, 2025, underscoring the long-standing defence relationship between the two nations.

During the working trip, General Kahariri met with Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Rwanda Defence Force (MOD/RDF) leadership, including a courtesy visit to the RDF Headquarters and a call on the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, General Mubarakh Muganga. He also held discussions with the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

High-level bilateral military discussions held focused on reviewing the existing defence cooperation framework between Rwanda and Kenya, identifying new areas of collaboration, and exchanging views on regional and global defence and security dynamics.

The talks reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen military cooperation in areas such as training, capacity building, and the promotion of regional peace and stability.

Addressing the media, General Kahariri emphasized that the visit was aimed at reaffirming and strengthening the enduring friendship between Rwanda and Kenya, particularly between their defence forces.

“Our coming here is an affirmation of the strong relationship between our two countries and our defence forces, right from the time Rwanda began rebuilding its defence institutions in the aftermath of the genocide,” General Kahariri said.

“This visit is about extending our friendship and exploring ways to further strengthen and expand our partnership. The KDF and RDF share much in common in areas such as training, regional peace, and stability, and we continue to learn from each other,” he added.

He further expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the Kenyan delegation and noted that discussions included progress toward finalizing the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two forces, which is now in its final stages.

As part of the visit, General Kahariri paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. He also toured the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, reflecting Kenya’s solidarity with Rwanda and its continued commitment to remembrance and learning from history.

General Kahariri’s visit marks another significant milestone in the growing Kenya–Rwanda defence partnership, reinforcing shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace and security in the region.