Burundi’s Clémentine Buyoya was crowned Miss East Africa by the Kenyan Ambassador’s wife, Mrs Aoko Odembo who was also the Guest of Honour. The winner beamed with pride as Burundi’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Mr Gatoto Nimubona, went up to the red carpet to congratulate her. Kenya won the 2nd place with Ms Wangari Kioge who charmed the audience with a radiant smile and truly African beauty and style. She was awarded her prize by Burundi’s Ambassador’s spouse, Mrs Eliane Nimubona, while the 3rd runner up, Christine Quignot of Uganda received her prize from Mrs Laurette Joseph of the Civil Aviation of France.
Associated to the event was notably French-Carribean star, Thierry Cham, whose latest single “Ecoute-Moi” (Listen to me) is currently being played on French radio stations. He was among the three-member jury which included the Director of Afro Attitude (Events & Communications Company) Marina Marville and the Director of the Vedettes boats, Mr Frederic Aviera.
The contest and turnout are a striking illustration of the talents of the Kenyan Diaspora and the important role they play in show casing our beautiful country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recognized their input in national development and has made engagement of the Diaspora a key pillar of its Foreign Policy.
On the sidelines, guests also had the pleasure of seeing the collections of African stylists Martha Mpoufu from Zimbabwe and Nanda Aurelie (aka Ndel’aur) from Cameroon. Notable guests from the diplomatic corps included the Nigerian Ambassador’s wife, Mrs Bristol. There were also expatriates from international organizations such as UNEP. Kenyans were thrilled by the arrival of football star, Denis Oliech and Kenyan professional rugby players in France, Derrick Wamalwa and Dan Weku.
This initiative emanated from three members of the Kenyan Diaspora – Bauwa Alambo, Jessy Mutua and Agnes Erdorcio who then approached the five East African Embassies for support. The Kenya Embassy in Paris played a key role in facilitating the event and encouraging its sister Embassies to back the initiative. The event won the endorsement of the East African Embassies owing to its three-tiered significance: politically, French President Sarkozy declared 2010 the Year for Africa, and numerous social, economic, cultural and political events are taking place all over France throughout the year within this framework; secondly, it is a promotion of the rich cultural diversity of East Africa through fashion, food and music; and finally it is a promotion of regional identity for the East African Diaspora.
http://www.kenyaembassyparis.org/fr/miss-east-africa-contest/2
