Marie-Immaculee Ingabire, an anti-corruption campaigner and human rights advocate who passed away on October 9 at the age of 63, has been remembered as one of the pioneers who helped rebuild Rwanda’s media in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Tribute to Marie-Immaculée Ingabire Her contribution to journalism and accountability was celebrated on Monday, October 13, by the media fraternity at her home in Kicukiro District. Former colleagues recalled not only her courage and commitment but also her humility and humanity, qualities that defined her both as a journalist and a citizen. VIDEO: Outspoken and defiant: Ingabire reflects on decades of advocacy for women’s rights After the Genocide, when Rwanda was still reeling from the tragedy that had claimed over one million lives, Ingabire joined the public broadcaster Office rwandais d’information (ORINFOR), which later became now Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA). That was before she became one of the pioneer reporters at Imvaho Nshya newspaper. She later joined Transparency International Rwanda, an organisation she chaired until her death. Karake Mweusi, her former colleague at ORINFOR, first met her in 1994 as they returned from exile. He remembers how she filled the void at the institution when it needed committed professionals. “Most of the agency’s workers had either been killed or were involved in killings,” Mweusi recalled. “She worked without pay and sometimes queued for food as her only form of salary. Yet she remained committed, humble, and full of purpose.” He said Ingabire was instrumental in navigating the sensitive task of post-genocide reporting. “The media was walking a tightrope. Every word had to be weighed carefully to avoid reopening wounds, but Ingabire managed to balance truth-telling with the need for unity. She worked both as a reporter and an editor, ensuring that our work served the country’s healing journey,” he said. Her personality made her presence even more impactful. Colleagues describe her as a woman who simplified complex problems, laughed often, and led by empathy. “Ingabire was never after money,” Mweusi said. “If she had wanted wealth, she could have taken higher-paying political positions. But she chose to remain the voice of the voiceless. Even when she joined other institutions, she didn’t stay long until she found her true calling at Transparency International Rwanda, where she had a full platform for her advocacy.” ALSO READ: Marie-Immaculée Ingabire: Is dignity worth sacrificing for money? Peter-Claver Karasira, another former colleague at ORINFOR, described Ingabire as “a free and fearless spirit” who cared deeply for those around her. “She was always ready to advise and support. If you approached her with a problem, she would give her full attention and genuine guidance. Her kindness went beyond work. She cared about people,” Karasira said. To many, Ingabire’s courage set her apart. Tom Ndahiro, a Genocide researcher and her former colleague, said she embodied the belief that the same media which once destroyed Rwanda had a duty to help rebuild it. “Ingabire lived that conviction,” Ndahiro said. “If she believed a story about a genocide survivor or other vulnerable person needed to be told, she didn’t care how far or difficult it was to reach them. She would approach anyone, no matter their position, if it meant getting the story done. Her determination was unmatched.” He added that her boldness extended beyond journalism. “Her voice went beyond the newsroom. She confronted anyone she believed was standing in the way of justice or silencing the voiceless. Fighting injustice wasn’t something she started at Transparency International; it was part of who she was.” “Even when officials warned her about publishing sensitive stories, she never backed down, as long as she believed she was telling the truth.” ALSO READ: Marie Immaculée Ingabire: Empowering Women, promoting positive feminism Scovia Mutesi, the Chairperson of Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), described Ingabire as “a fearless source of truth” who never compromised her principles. “She was a reliable source for the media because she never feared anyone or anything” Mutesi said. “She spoke facts from the first minute to the last, holding people accountable beyond her own responsibilities.” Mutesi added that Ingabire’s legacy should serve as a moral compass for today’s journalists. “Her courage and honesty inspired many. The media fraternity should carry forward her spirit of truth-telling and integrity,” she said.
