Rwanda National Police

Five people have been arrested in Kigali for organizing and holding a baby shower party contrary to the government directives on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The quintet was showed to the media on Saturday, August 21, at Nyarugenge District Police Unit offices in Rwezamenyo Sector.

Those arrested include the host and father-to-be, Yves Kimenyi. Their arrest came after photos and videos of the couple hosting friends for a baby-shower started circulating on social media platforms and media outlets, on August 17.

Kimenyi said that they hosted the prohibited home party at the request of their friends.

?Our friends wished to organize a baby shower... to surprise my spouse and I agreed to the idea. We were eight people at home, but three others are yet to be arrested. As a footballer and national team player, I regret my inappropriate behaviours and actions," said Kimenyi.

Yves Kimenyi admitted to the violations and asked for leniency

Habibah Ingabire, one of the party organizers, admitted to the violations and advised against flouting the government directives, which can lead to the spread of the virus.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera warned against such ill-considered practices.

?These violators came from different parts of City of Kigali to hold the party and started to pride themselves in the violations by posting photos and videos on their social media platforms," CP Kabera said.

He advised their three colleagues, who are still in hiding to voluntarily come out and "take responsibility for their actions."

?You cannot remain in hiding forever, especially when your identities are known to the law enforcement. We can only advise you to come forward as early as possible," the spokesperson emphasized.

"People should not confuse such home parties with weddings, which are also permitted under strict guidelines including having negative Covid-19 test results. Home parties are strictly prohibited. Be warned that if you violate the government directives you will be arrested regardless of when the violations were committed," CP Kabera warned.

Habibah Ingabire also admitted that they violated the directives and advised their colleagues who are still at large to join them and ask for forgiveness