Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested eight people in Rubirizi Cell, Kanombe Sector, Kicukiro District for holding a birthday party contrary to the national COVID-19 prevention directives.

Birthday parties are among the prohibited events and gatherings to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The eight violators were on Thursday, April 22, showed to the media at Kicukiro stadium.

They were arrested in the evening of Wednesday, April 21, at the home of Ivan Mugisha, 36, located in Ubumwe Village, where they had gathered to celebrate his birthday.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said concerned local residents tipped-off the Police about the prohibited gathering and party.

"In the evening of April 21, at about 5:30pm, Police was tipped-off by residents that there was a gathering at the home of Mugisha. Police responded to the information and found people congested in a small living room holding celebrations for Mugisha's birthday," said CP Kabera.

He added: "When you flout the directives you will be arrested. Whatever you plan of doing, think twice and refrain from it if it's against the directives. It is for your own safety from being infected with the virus or spreading it."

He warned anyone planing to organize parties or receptions that Police in partnership with local authorities and the public will continue to work together to arrest them.

The violators were educated on government directives and health practices to contain the Covid-19 but also fined for the violation.