LE ROCHER DE KAMEGERI

There are several versions of the story, but sources agree that an advisor to one of Rwanda's first kings died here, in a very unusual way... In the late 18th or early 19th century, a man named Kamegeri suggested to his king that this rock could be used to punish criminals. His method, which was cruel to say the least, consisted of heating wood until it was incandescent, then tying the person to the rock and burning him alive. The king seemed satisfied with the idea and ordered it done. But when the first criminal was convicted, to everyone's surprise, the king ordered that not the criminal but Kamegeri himself be burned on the rock. A man who could suggest such a cruel fate should, in his opinion, be punished... to the death. The event is said to have taken place during the reign of King Yuhi IV Gahindiro (1792 to 1802). He is said to have had a reputation as a just and non-violent ruler. The rock of Kamegeri dominates the landscape and has become a historical site that can be visited during a short walk. The rock would have the characteristic to remain always hot. The site is located a few kilometers from Ruhango, on the road to Nyanza. To get there, it is best to ask the locals, even if they don't always know exactly where it is. In Kinyarwanda, the rock is called Urutare rwa Kamegeri . Beyond the legend, this site is a nice break to stretch your legs on the road to Nyanza.