KIGALI – Rumours are circulating in the Rwandan capital that Valentine Izere, the head of the Amajyambere neighbourhood in Remera Sector, Gasabo District, is under investigation by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Ms Izere at RIB headquarters in Remera earlier this month. She was reportedly escorted into the interview rooms area, appearing visibly shaken. The sighting was first reported by KT Press on 17 January, which confirmed her presence at the RIB premises. The outlet noted that Ms Izere “looked terrified”.
When KT Press sought clarification from RIB officers about the reason for her presence, officials declined to comment, saying they would release information “when necessary.” However, an unnamed source within the bureau reportedly told the publication that Ms Izere had come under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in opposition activism and collaborating with prominent opposition leader Victoire Ingabire.
Ingabire, who was released from prison in September 2018, resides in the Amajyambere neighbourhood. The association between the two women appears to be at the centre of the allegations.
Curiously, the KT Press article reporting Ms Izere’s visit to RIB has since been deleted. When contacted for comment, the publication declined to explain the decision. This is not an isolated incident in Rwanda, where media outlets have previously retracted stories following pressure from authorities.
At the time of publishing, Ms Izere remains free and continues to serve as the leader of Amajyambere neighbourhood.
Therwandan
