SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 will always be remembered as a dark Wednesday in Rwanda’s journalism history.

On the fateful day, Patrick Kanyamibwa, a popular journalist working with Family Television breathed his last at Kibagabaga hospital. The 32-year-old succumbed to injuries following a fatal road accident at Nyabugogo-Kimihurura roundabout in Kigali.  According to a close relative of the deceased,  the death could have been due to internal bleeding as  Kanyamibwa   did not sustain any external injuries at the scene of the accident.

Life was just beginning for the young journalist who also had a passion for events management. At the time of his death, he was in the final stages of preparations for the annual Groove Awards gala, an event where the best gospel music artistes in the country are recognised.

Colleagues, friends and family received the news with shock. Many described the late Kanyamibwa, as a humble and hard working young man whose life ended when he had a lot to accomplish ahead of him.

Singer and KFM radio presenter, Uncle Austin talked to Kanyamibwa, a few minutes before he was involved in the fatal accident.

When he received the news of Kanyamibwa’s death, Austin eulogised his friend on his facebook wall.  "I will never forget the evening of Wednesday. I wanted to nominate you for the 2014 Groove Awards but you refused because you were among the organisers. We did not talk for long from the reception because I had to return to the studio. I was still on-air.

Had I known that those were the last minutes of your life, I would have talked to you much longer and stop you from getting on that motorcycle. But God knows our beginning and the end. I always thought I was humble, quiet and patient but no one can ever be all that, like you. I can’t stop thinking about you. Rest in peace Patrick Kanyamibwa.”

 Kanyamibwa, whose voice echoed through radio stations during his career, was an accomplished journalist, who won hearts of many through his stories about gospel music. He worked for radio Inkoramutima and Isango Star before joining Family Television, where he has been working until his death.

Tributes

Edmund Kagire, the Secretary General of Rwanda Journalists Association, described the deceased as a man who was humble and God fearing.

"We are saddened by this loss of a humble and God fearing man. No words can comfort his young family. We join hands to support the family in this difficult period,” Kagire said.

Another friend, Claude Habimana said Kanyamibwa’s death was a big blow to the gospel music industry.   "Sad that you have left too soon when the gospel music industry still needed your services,” Habimana posted on his Facebook wall.

Another touching message came from Bertrand Niwejambo, a journalist who worked with the deceased at Isango Star. "May his family continue to be strong during this trying period. Patrick Kanyamibwa, we shall always remember you,”

Ally Soudy, a journalist and friend to the deceased said Rwanda had lost a selfless, dedicated and hardworking Journalist, who was God fearing.

Anita Umurerwa, who was an ardent listener of Kanyamibwa, said she always tuned in to listen to him on Isango Star fm.

"Kanyamibwa acted as a role model for other Christians and journalists in the country,” said Gloria Batamuliza, a gospel artiste. "He is a person to be remembered and adored. His works will always be our inspiration.”

Kanyamibwa helped to promote gospel music in the country.  His passing came just days before the Groove Awards scheduled to take place on October 26, at Kigali Serena Hotel, in which he was among the key organizers.

Many believe that his death is a set-back for Rwanda’s gospel music industry because he was among very few journalists who promoted it.

Born on 5th May 1982, in Rubavu town, Western Province near DR Congo border, Kanyamibwa was married to Jeanine Keza Mukabacondo in November 2009. The young couple had one child, Kenzo Mugisha Kanyamibwa, who is 5 years old. 

Kanyamibwa graduated from former National University of Rwanda (NUR), now University of Rwanda-Huye Campus, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Communication. He also attended Lycee de Kicukiro APADE, for high school studies. He was laid to rest, yesterday, in Rusororo,Gasabo District.