BUJUMBURA —Burundi controversial president Pierre Nkurunziza has yet again created chatter on social media after receiving his wife at his presidential palace as ‘special’ guest.
Nkurunziza was picture standing next to his wife Denise Nkurunziza (the special guest) who paid him an official visit to present awards she received on her humanitarian work.
The first lady was awarded a Certificate of Honour in recognition of her contribution in raising awareness among administrative and religious leaders, women and youth on the need to overcome the growing population in Burundi.
Pictures shared by the Burundi State House capture Mrs Nkurunziza waiting patiently at what looks like a conference room for receiving visitors.
Other pictures capture the first couple standing side by side while displaying the award certificates.
President Nkurunziza in May this year also lauded his 12-year-old daughter and gave her money at May Day ceremonies designed to honour the country’s top workers.
“Head of state Pierre Nkurunziza gave an envelope (of money) to his daughter Naomie Nkurunziza, who has been behaving well at home,” state broadcaster RTNB said in an overnight tweet, without specifying the amount.
“Pierre Nkurunziza says that she is hard-working and loves Burundian culture and sport,” it said.
The May 1 ceremonies, which took place at a sports stadium at Rumonge, about 80 kilometres south of the capital Bujumbura, saw Nkurunziza hand out awards to senior state officials, farmers, the national football team, a judo champion, governors and district administrators.
The decade-old tradition has also seen Nkurunziza reward one of his sons, Jonathan, who was aged five at the time, his wife, Denise Bucumi, and one of their nannies.
