A disaster triggered by heavy rainfall claimed the life of a retired senior police officer on Sunday, February 22, police have confirmed.

This happened after a retaining wall collapsed onto his house in Kibagabaga Cell, Kimironko Sector of Gasabo District.

ALSO READ: Above-average rainfall, strong winds expected in late February

The victim was identified as Richard Kamanzi, 57, who had retired from the Rwanda National Police at the ranked of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). The incident occurred at around 1pm in Rindiro Village after runoff water from a higher compound weakened a retaining wall built along the fence, causing it to collapse onto a bedroom where he was resting.

ALSO READ: Kayonza: Heavy rain kills six, destroys several properties

Chief Inspector of Police Wellars Gahonzire, the Police Spokesperson in the City of Kigali, confirmed the death of Kamanzi.

"We condole with the family on this loss. The immediate action in place is to secure shelter for them, as the house was destroyed,” Gahonzire told The New Times on Sunday evening.

He urged residents to take precautions during the rainy season, advising people to ensure proper drainage around their homes and avoid risky behaviour during storms.

Gahonzire warned against walking in heavy rain, sheltering under trees, or blocking drainage channels, and called on parents to closely monitor children during the ongoing rainy season.

Available information indicates that after his body was extracted from the rubble, the deceased's body was taken to Rwanda Military Hospital, while the family is set to relocate from the damaged home as a solution is being sought to contain the rainwater.