Izuba Rirashe’s two years of success

Amidst many challenges, Izuba Rirashe, a local newspaper has clocked 2 years. According to the paper’s Editor Kim Kamasa, it has been a long journey but a successful one. “We can boast of having achieved a lot as far as exposing corruption and enhancing a zero tolerance policy on corruption more than any other local newspaper in the country,” Kamasa said. He highlighted some of the investigative stories Izuba Rirashe has covered and have brought about remarkable appreciation in the country since its inception. “Before even Beatrice Nirere, a former member of the Chambers of Deputies of Rwanda was nominated as an MP, Izuba had launched some investigations on her involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” Kamasa explained. According to him the journalist who had contacted Gacaca courts was told that no one is guilty until proven so by courts of law. “By the time her story was being exposed by the other newspapers, the Izuba Rirashe investigative team had been following the case until the 2nd of March this year when she was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.” With representatives in some districts in the country, Izuba has been reporting on corruption in the local Government and the impact this has brought is very encouraging. “Our representative in Ruhango District has been closely following 5 heads of sectors and has exposed them. This has opened people’s eyes on corruption in the area.” However the editor highlighted not printing hard copies as the biggest challenge Izuba has faced for a while now. He said that Izuba Rirashe however has seen more than 20,000 people every month from the Diaspora visiting their website. According to the Production Manager, the month of July attracted 19,292 web visitors who are mainly from western countries. With the wide coverage of researched News, economics and Business News, environmental and health features, Izuba has received an award this year from the Ministry of health. The editor also noted that many local radio stations use Izuba News as their source while reading their News. Kamasa thanked the Government for the freedom of press because that is how they have managed to be best local investigative journalists “Reality is that political and press freedom is essential for creating open and peaceful societies across the planet,” he added. With the new media Law, it means media practitioners will nurture and enhance investigative journalism in the country. Ends