The Mayor of Rubavu District Jérémie Sinamenye and a member of his staff together with the Executive Secretary of Busanze Sector in Nyaruguru District have been arrested over alleged frustration of some presidential candidates and breaching electoral laws.

According to ACP Théos Badege, the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations have began into the three officials detained on Thursday and Friday.

"They are suspected of violating presidential candidates rights by preventing people from attending some of the candidates’ campaigns or inciting hatred against the candidates,” he told the press on Friday.

"Such cases were reported in in Rwimiyaga Sector in Nyagatare District, Gahara Sector in Kirehe District, Busanze Sector in Nyaruguru District, Nyamyumba Sector in Rubavu District and we are investigating them. We urge all local leaders to make sure they abide by electoral laws during the campaigns and whoever contravenes them will be held accountable,” he warned.

He added that security was fine in general during the campaigns but advised the leaders to respect all candidates’ rights.

Badege explained that under article 558 of the penal code those who violate the election laws face between one and two years in prison and fines ranging from between Rwf1 million and Rwf3 million upon conviction.

He said police have been following up on elections campaigns to ensure security and peace at campaign rallies.

"Vehicles transporting people to campaign venues must avoid high speeds, avoid carrying excessive passengers and use mechanical sound vehicles,” he said.

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