Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has observed that whereas many residents join together activities to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, some notorious ones choose to remain behind and participate in fatal criminal activities.

Police strongly warns against such behavior and calls on the general public to wholly participate in these commemoration activities which are aimed at opening debate and educating the masses about the challenge of genocide ideology.

The call was kindled by a fatal incident that happened on April 9 in Nyakabungo Cell, Byumba Sector Rubavu District, when a man died instantly from consuming excessive illicit brew locally known as Kanayanga.

Identified as Jean Claude Ngirababyeyi, the deceased is said to have ignored the call to attend commemoration discussions in the afternoon and instead went to a bar with a colleague.

"At the bar, Ngirababyeyi's colleague dared him to consume 24 sachets of Kanyanga and staked his phone. He consumed them all and went back at home excessively drunk – and in the evening, he died," Northern Province Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector André Hakizimana said.

"Illicit brew is strongly prohibited in Rwanda because of such consequences; however, it is even more depressing that deceased chose to engage in such an activity while the other residents had attended events to commemorate the genocide."

He called on residents to actively participate in the genocide commemoration events and sensitize other members of the community who seem not to understand their role in these events.

"Let us together fight against any action that negates the genocide and advice fellow residents to actively participate in these nation-building discussions. Residents should remember to alert if they have any information about those who are suspected of undermining peace and safety during this period," he added.