Former Kirehe District mayor Protais Murayire, who resigned on Monday, said one of the district’s staff was responsible for his decision.

Murayire threw in the towel during an extra-ordinary district advisory council meeting on Monday.

His resignation followed a Provincial General Assembly, in which the mayor was accused of concealing grassroot leaders grievances.

The meeting was presided over by the Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka.

Addressing the council shortly before tendering in his resignation letter, Murayire said:

"I am one of the old cadres of this nation. I can’t continue serving after one of my staff accused me of keeping his mouth shut,” he said.

Murayire was one of the longest serving mayors in the province. He is credited with, among other things, leading his district to number five in the recent performance contract rankings (Imihigo).

Ernest Rwagasana, the chairperson of the district advisory council, said Murayire offered sufficient reasons for stepping down. He advised residents to remain steadfast and continue working for the betterment of the district.

"Murayire was certainly a hard working person. But his resignation should not stop us from moving forward. No one should feel discouraged. We should start from where he left off,” he said.