Responding to a journalist's question, Kagame questioned the logic behind public scrutiny of personal health, stating that illness is a normal human experience. “Why should someone’s personal health become a matter of public debate? Is anyone exempt from falling ill?” he asked, stressing that no one is immune to the limitations of life.

He acknowledged that the pressures of leadership could contribute to personal health challenges, even joking that some of his own issues may stem from the stress of governing. “Managing you people can be stressful,” he said with a touch of humor.

Kagame rejected the idea that political leaders should be seen as immune to common illnesses. “People get COVID, the flu, or suffer from heart conditions. That’s part of being human,” he said, challenging the expectation that leaders remain physically invincible.

He went on to criticize the political motives behind health-related rumors, suggesting that some opponents even celebrate or exploit such situations. Describing this mindset as “beyond stupidity,” Kagame illustrated the irrationality with a hypothetical scenario: “Someone celebrates another’s death, but before they reach their car, they might follow the same fate.”

He called for a more sensible and respectful political environment, noting that such narratives go against the principles Rwanda has embraced since its post-genocide recovery. “This is exactly the kind of politics we freed ourselves from,” he said. “But to be clear—it’s me sitting here with you today.”

Liberation Day commemorates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the start of Rwanda’s transformation under new leadership.