The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has apprehended seven district officials, including four current officials and three former officials in Rulindo district. They are being investigated on charges of embezzlement and use of forged documents. According to RIB, the team was arrested on November 2, 2023. The suspects allegedly embezzled funds that were designated for the construction of the Rwintare-Gitanda-Muvumo road in 2022 during expropriation. Thierry Murangira, the spokesperson of RIB pointed out that the preliminary investigation revealed that they paid ghost individuals who were not supposed to be compensated, while others were paid more than twice considering the money they had to get. The defendants include Al Bashir Bizumuremyi, the former Rulindo District Executive Secretary (2020-2021); Godfrey Muhanguzi, the former Division Manager; Ignace Kanyangira, the current district's Executive Secretary; and Delice Mugisha, the Director of Administration and Finance. Others involved in the case include Juvenal Bavugirije, the current One-Stop Center Officer; Felicien Niyonirinyiye, the former One-Stop Center Officer; and Celestin Kurujyibwami, the district's accountant. The suspects are currently detained at the Rwezamenyo RIB station, pending the completion of investigations before their case is sent to prosecution. Upon conviction, on the crime of Embezzlement, the suspects are liable for imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years but not more than 10 years and a fine of three to five times the value of the embezzled property.
