Nyagahinga Cell Executive Secretary Jerome Rurangirwa and Kiyanza Cell Executive Secretary Byamungu Martin were both arrested in bars for violating COVID-19 regulations.
Two cell executive secretaries have been arrested separately in Gicumbi and Rulindo districts for flouting the national directives meant to contain the spread the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are Jerome Rurangirwa, the executive secretary for Nyagahinga Cell in Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District and Martin Byamungu, the executive secretary for Kiyanza Cell in Ntarabana Sector, Rulindo District.
They were arrested in the evening of Friday, July 2, in bars where they were found gathered with other local residents drinking.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that the grassroots leaders were arrested alongside five other people also found in the bars with them.
“Local authorities in Gicumbi, who were conducting inspection on the compliance of the government directives, found people drinking in the bar belonging to one Jean Paul Cyuzuzo located in Kibiraro village but they locked themselves inside and refused to open until Police arrived. When the door was finally opened they found Rurangirwa inside together with three other people,” CP Kabera said.
In Rulindo District, the spokesperson said that sector authorities found Byamungu and two other people identified as Jean Damascene Habiyambere and Anaclet Ntakirutimana, in the bar belonging to the chief of Nyagisozi village, Vincent Niyonteze.
“When the in-charge of Civil Affairs in Ntarabana Sector asked them why they are violating the government directives, Byamungu and his fellow violators tried to beat him but he run away and called the Police.
Byamungu and his group left the bar and hid in the nearby bush where they were arrested. Police found them in the bush drinking an illicit brew called Ibyuma. However, the village chief had already fled and is still hiding,” CP Kabera said.
CP Kabera expressed shock on the behaviours and practices of some local leaders, who are expected to lead by example.
“Grassroots leaders are expected to take the lead in complying with the government directives and to enforce them, but it raises serious concerns if they are the ones breaking them. The good thing is that residents report such authorities whose behaviours are unacceptable. We urge the public to always report such local leaders,” said CP Kabera.
He added that the directives must be adhered to maximumly by everyone, regardless of who you are.
Jerome Rurangirwa was handed over to RIB at Bukure station while Martin Byamungu was taken to Murambi station for further legal action. Other violators were taken to their respective sectors to be fined. (End)