PARLIAMENT - Retired army General and Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) lawmaker Sam Kanyemera Kaka has resigned his parliamentary seat in the Chamber of Deputies.

His resignation comes a few days after being acquitted of blocking justice and returning to the House.

Gen. Kaka was arrested and charged together with Brigadier General Frank Rusagara for alleged obstruction of justice as businessman Assinapol Rwigara was being arrested in August this year.

Kaka’s immunity as a member of parliament was lifted before his arrest but he still insists that it wasn’t lifted and that his arrest was wrong. Sources from parliament confirmed Kaka’s resignation but said that he has not officially handed in his resignation.

"He is expected to officially resign tomorrow (Monday),” sources said.

In the copy of his resignation letter that The New Times obtained, the veteran lawmaker did not indicate any reason for quitting his seat.

If his resignation is accepted, then his seat will remain vacant until parliament ends its mandate.  Legally no one is supposed to join the House a year ahead of the end of the parliament mandate.

The term of office of the current Lower Chamber expires on October 10, 2008.
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