KIGALI - Rwanda’s largest beverage manufacturer, Bralirwa, yesterday, held a commemorative event in honour of its employees who perished during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

The ceremony, which was held at the company’s headquarters in Kigali, attracted several government officials, families and friends of the deceased employees.

Addressing the gathering, Youth Minister Protais Mitali commended employees for organising the event, adding that the country cannot develop without acknowledging its history.

"You cannot understand where you’re going if you do not remember where you have come from; this is therefore a good initiative, which should also be emulated by other private entities,” said Mitali, who also doubles as the caretaker minister of sports and culture.

He criticised Genocide deniers saying that the government would deal with them firmly.

"There are people who claim that killing of the former president Juvenal Habyarimana sparked the Genocide, even a young child cannot fall for this lie.”

It is estimated that over 32 Bralirwa employees were killed in Kigali during the Genocide.

The company’s officials said that at least 180 children of the deceased have benefited from a scholarship scheme initiated by the company.

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