At 106, Capt. Nyagashotsi Epimaque still walks upright, maintains sharp memory, hearing and clear eye sight. He could be Rwanda’s oldest man presently.

Taarifa checked on the towering gunner at his Gatsibo district home gifted to him five years ago by President Paul Kagame.

How old are you now? Taarifa reporter engaged Nyagashotsi.

“I’m now 106 years old,” Nyagashotsi quickly responded in a hazy voice.

We found the war veteran basking outside the gate to scoop warmth from sun set while watching passersby that frequently stop to greet him and engage in friendly chats about the neighborhood.

He was also waiting for his cow to return home from grazing. The cow was also gifted to him by President Kagame.

Nyagashotsi had requested for a cow to get milk saying it would improve his health.

His last born Ingabire Yvonne left for Kigali where she found a Job. The old man lives with a relative who helps him with the cow and house chores.

President Kagame in 2021 gifted this World War II Veteran with a fully furnished house, over hectare of cultivation land and a hybrid diary cow.

Nyagashotsi is truly a hardworking man. The land is well cultivated and gets enormous yields every season. The cow died months after giving birth to a calf. The calf has since grown into a healthy heifer that will possibly in a few weeks  give birth.

The World War II Veteran is very greatful to President Kagame for transforming his life.

“Kagame gave me milk and food. Am healthy and not hungry anymore, God bless our leader,” Nyagashotsi said.

However,  Nyagashotsi made one request for the processing of title for the land gifted to him.

“Whenever I go to buy fertilizer, I’m required to present the UPI of the land but I don’t have it. I have tried to talk to the mayor and never got help,” Nyagashotsi said while showing us the maize in the garden seemingly requiring boost of fertilizer.

Also Read: Rwanda’s only surviving World War II Veteran