Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has taken over the case of a guest who was assaulted by an American Airbnb host in Musanze. “The case was handled by RIB after the complainant and alleged offender were taken to the police station by police,” said John Bosco Kabera, the spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police (RNP). The incident took place on June 8, in Musanze district and according to a video taken by the victim’s friend; the host was yelling and chasing them out of his house. The guest’s friend said that her friend was assaulted for not “talking to him” (host) and collecting their stuff to leave early. American Airbnb host in Musanze, Rwanda assaulted my friend today, who is staying at his place, for not “talking to him.” And for getting our things to leave early. We need help from authorities @Rwandapolice @MusanzeDistrict @Airbnb @RIB @RDBrwanda @ProfemmesTH pic.twitter.com/ZhrljInqu2 — beya 🥰 (@NiyonzimaBeyata) June 8, 2022 The video has attracted various reactions from different people such as Airbnb and RNP among others. “Glad that RNP is looking into this case,” Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board commented. Glad @Rwandapolice is looking into this case. — Clare Akamanzi (@cakamanzi) June 8, 2022 The company (Airbnb) also reached out saying that they take such reports very seriously, and would like to follow up and request the victim to contact them for further help. Hello, Kindly share with us your telephone number for details on this issue so that we can follow it up.Thank you — Rwanda National Police (@Rwandapolice) June 8, 2022 Airbnb, Inc. is an American company that operates an online marketplace for lodging, primarily homestays for vacation rentals, and tourism activities. Based in San Francisco, California, the platform is accessible via the website and mobile app. The host in the video is identified as Colin Roach, who was born in the Caribbean and raised in the United States of America. He moved to Rwanda in 2019 and currently runs a tour company and an Airbnb business. By press time, RIB had not yet responded to our inquiries on case updates.
