A local leader in Kirehe District is on the run after allegedly presiding over a marriage ceremony involving a minor.

Martin Rutoki, the former executive secretary of Nyarubuye sector in Kirehe, is accused of marrying off a 17-year-old girl to a 21 year-old man about two weeks ago.

He is said to have married off the girl against her will. This was done at night after all sector staff had left their offices, it emerged.

He has since switched off his phone and disappeared from his place of work.

Kirehe Mayor Gerald Muzungu confirmed the reports when contacted yesterday.

"It is a sad reality that Rutoki went against the law and married off a minor in a public office. Every grassroots leader should understand that no one is supposed to behave in a way that is contrary to the law especially when he or she holds a public office,” he said.

"The executive secretary was sacked forthwith and we are going to replace him. The case is being handled by relevant authorities, particularly the Police,” Muzungu added.

Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, the Eastern region Police spokesman, confirmed Rutoki’s disappearance, adding that the former executive secretary is wanted.

"We are searching for him over criminal charges…he is believed to have fled the country. But he can’t escape the long arm of the law. We have since arrested the husband to the minor as the search for the former official continues,” he said.

Area residents, however, allege that Rutoki helped the young couple to formalise their marriage to cover up his own crimes.

"The young girl was pregnant…and that it is believed Rutoki is responsible for the pregnancy.

‘‘He thus hurriedly and illegally married off the girl to another man to avoid embarrasment. He was a reckless man and never qualified to be a leader of community,” said one of the residents.

Meanwhile, two other sector leaders in the district are in custody for various crimes that include; corruption, abuse of office and fraud.

They are the executive secretary of Nyarubuye sector, Antoine Karasira, and his Mushikiri sector counterpart Alphonse Karambizi.

"Karasira was involved in illegal trade of Ivory, while Karambizi offered himself tenders. He also messed up Vision 2020 Umurenge programme (VUP) money and other crimes…the law will take its course,” said the Police spokesman.

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