Naima Rahamatali, one of the contestants in the ongoing Miss Rwanda beauty contest, has dropped out of the competition just days before the pre-selection scheduled for February 14 in Kigali.
With Rahamatali out, there are now 24 girls competing for the crown. Only 15 finalists will be left in the contest after the Valentine’s Day pre-selection.
Rahamatali confirmed her departure from the beauty pageant on Facebook.
“It is with immense sadness that I withdraw my candidature from the competition. My father has fallen extremely ill and my presence is needed by his side. I wish all the ladies a wonderful continuation on this journey,” she wrote on her wall.
She added: “I would also like to tremendously thank everyone who has supported me and/or encouraged me during my journey in Miss Rwanda 2016.”
Commenting on the development, Dieudonné Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up, the organisers of the pageant, commiserated with Rahamatali on her predicament.
“We were told last night that her father is extremely ill and that she needs to be there. She’s therefore flying [to Canada] tonight. However, the competition still goes on,” said Ishimwe.
The grand finale will take place at Camp Kigali on February 27.
The New Times
UM– USEKE.RW
