Photos of the week: Wails, tears at Hillside memorial, bilateral ties in US

This week saw major events and developments unfolding across the country and the world.

The week has seen stories from President William Ruto's trip to New York to the interdenominational memorial service for the 21 victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy.

Here is a roundup of photos from events that happened this week: 

Hillside memorial mass 

Emotions ran high as Kenyans joined the families and friends of the victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy for an interdenominational memorial service.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Education CS Julius Ogamba and other leaders attended the service. 

The 21 died when their dormitory was razed on September 6.

Bilateral ties in New York 

Ruto on Tuesday held a meeting with the President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker in New York.

The President said the country appreciates the Ford Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding democracy.

He appreciated the foundation for supporting Kenya's calls for reforms in the global economic institutions, climate action and modern technology regulation.

Ruto in Haiti 

President Ruto landed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Saturday 100 days after flagging off the Kenyan police contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to the Caribbean country.

Ruto was in Haiti to assess the progress of the MSS mission, visit and commend the Kenyan contingent working alongside their Haitian counterparts and meet with the Transitional Presidential Council, led by Edgard LeBlanc, as well as members of the Haitian Cabinet.

Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council communication team said that the visit is part of strengthening the bilateral relationships between the two countries.

Kipyegon, Moraa honored

The President extended his congratulations to Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for their remarkable recognition and accolades at the prestigious Academy of Achievement awards.

The two athletes were honored during the Golden Plate Award ceremony held at the Lincoln Centre Plaza in New York.

The two were donned in beautiful dresses as they received awards in the beautiful event.

Faith Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion in the 1500m, continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in middle-distance running.

Beatrice Chebet, an emerging talent in long-distance running, has similarly gained international recognition, becoming a force to reckon with on the global athletics stage.

Gachagua in Kiambu 

Deputy President Gachagua on Saturday toured Kiambu county where he interacted with the traders and residents of Limuru town.

During his visit, Gachagua enjoyed conversations and tea with former Ndeiya Ward Councilor Mzee Stephen Ndung'u Njenga.

He was accompanied by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Leader of the Majority in Kiambu County Assembly Mucheke Waiyaki.

Also present were MCAs including host Nduta wa Muongi, among other leaders.

World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day was celebrated on September 22. The day highlighted the global effort to protect rhinos.

The day celebrated all five species of rhino: Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos.

World Rhino Day was first announced by the World Wide Fund (WWF)-South Africa in 2010. By 2011, the event gained international recognition.

World Rhino Day unites governments, conservationists, and the public in a shared mission to ensure the survival of these iconic species.