Editor,

IT SEEMS everyone – whether for or against the arrest of Kizito Mihigo and his co-detainees – is jumping the gun. It would be better if everyone could wait for the evidence against the suspects to be presented in court in order for Rwandans to judge for themselves how credible it is.

In the meantime, there are two things to consider. First, Kizito Mihigo and the other suspects are innocent until proven guilty. 

Second, given the prominence of one of the suspects, it is highly unlikely the Police would arrest him, interrogate him, and announce his arrest, and the fact they are forwarding his case file to the prosecution unless they have what they consider to be very convincing evidence of culpability.

Some people also seem to overlook the fact that before their dissidence and open alliance with the FDLR génocidaires, few would have dared suspect the likes of Patrick Karegeya, Kayumba Nyamwasa, Gerald Gahima, Théogène Rudasingwa, David Himbara and Tribert Rujugiro of being capable of such a degree of betrayal.

Why should we imagine that Kizito Mihigo would not be capable of similar betrayal? Because we all were touched by the grace and patriotism of his songs? The most dangerous enemy is the one you least suspect.

It never ceases to amaze me that, despite ample precedent cases of the treason of people we once thought beyond suspicion, Rwandans remain largely naive about the potential for cupidity and capacity for betrayal in any human being.

How many of you once thought the afore-mentioned were incapable of treason or couldn’t possibly ally themselves with the FDLR and all the rest of their genocidal friends?

Disappointment should not make us refuse to countenance the reality that those we admire because of one exceptional quality may be less than admirable in other equally fundamental areas.

We need to understand that Rwanda National Police would not arrest someone as universally popular with Rwandans as Kizito Mihigo on such a serious charge without evidence they believe will stand the scrutiny of courts. I trust in their professionalism.

More importantly, while I, for one, believe the suspects are all innocent until proven otherwise in court, should those charges withstand challenges in court and are proved, I will sigh with relief that at least some of those who joined a terrorist band responsible for the cowardly killings and maiming of innocent Rwandans are finally out of commission.

Let this be an objective lesson to those who may be tempted to join similar conspiracies against our country’s security. You will eventually be unmasked. You will fall off the pedestal we had all put you on. You will face your just desserts. Treason does not pay.

Mwene Kalinda, Rwanda