FOLLOWING THE OUTBREAK OF COVID-19, different countries including Rwanda established guidelines to prevent the spreading of this deadly virus. It is an act that challenges a celebrity's lifestyle because of the daily life they lived before, of engaging with many people, partying, clubbing and traveling. Many Rwandan celebs have been arrested for violating covid-19 protocols since last year.

The New Times looks at some of the celebrities who were jailed for not respecting covid-19 rules.  

King James

James Ruhumuriza best known as King James, was arrested on July 30, in Rutsiro District over violating covid-19 preventive measures. He was jailed alongside other six people including two Rwandan celebs. They all claimed that they had traveled to the district overlooking Lake Kivu for business but the Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson for Western Province, CIP Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi said that on the contrary, they were found in an accommodation facility where they were having a drink up, according to a local publication. All of them were released after a few days.

 Cecile Kayirebwa

On May 26, Rwanda National Police arrested a top traditional singer named Cecile Kayirebwa over attending an introduction wedding which was not allowed then. She was arrested in a motel named Ubwiza Garden which is located in Nyarugenge Kigali alongside 53 other people who had also attended the wedding.

 Shaddyboo

Shaddyboo, a social media influencer who is also a top player in the fashion industry was arrested in Rutsiro district last month over attending a drink up with friends who had returned to the country from the USA. She was caught with six people in an accommodation facility with other celebrities, claiming to be on a business trip.

Social Mula

Rwanda National Police arrested top R&B singer Social Mula, real name Lambert Mugwaneza on March 30,over violating covid-19 rules while shooting a video of his song named ‘Amata’ which is now released. He was jailed together with 38 other people including DJ Phil peter who is also featured on the track. They were caught in Rugando Gasabo district.

Ish Kevin

Kevin Semana, best known as Ish Kevin, was arrested on May 25, alongside others including five other individuals including Patrick Mugisha, Celine Munyanshoza, Benitha Umulisa, Olga Nziza and Briana Byukusenge. They were arrested for violating covid-19 restrictions and drug use. Ish Kevin remained behind the bars after he failed a drug test. He was later released and granted a one year suspended sentence.

Jay Polly

Joshua Tuyishime, alias Jay Polly was arrested on Friday, April 23, at his home in Kibagabaga suburb, with 11 other people, who had illegally gathered at his place to party, violating measures against Covid-19. He is still in jail over drug use since then.

Yves Kimenyi

Kimenyi, a goal keeper of Amavubi and Kiyovu sport was arrested after posting videos on his social media platforms of his girlfriend’s baby shower. Claudine Uwase Muyango a fiancé of this famous footballer organized a party at Kimenyi’s house which violated covid protocols. Kimenyi has also played in top teams such as APR and Rayon sport.

DJ Brianne

Esther Brianna Byukusenge popularly known as DJ Brianne is a Rwandan celebrity who recently relocated to Kigali from Belgium. She was arrested over violating covid-19 protocols on May 25,in a house party together with an upcoming artiste named Ish Kevin. DJ Brianne was immediately released after passing the drug test.

K8 Kavuyo

William Muhire best known as K8 Kavuyo who recently returned in the country from the U.S was arrested in Rutsiro district where he was reportedly having fun with friends. He claimed that he was on a business trip in Rutsiro but police said they were having a party at the time the district was in total lockdown. He was released after a few days.

DJ Toxxyk

One of the best disc jockeys in Kigali, Arnold Ishimwe popularly known as DJ Toxxyk in the streets of Kigali, was arrested in a party dubbed ‘Les Samedis Sympas’ which was organised by Juan Nsabiye, a fashion designer in collaboration with The Retreat Hotel owners.. DJ Toxxyk was the official DJ of the event together with K’RU. All the partygoers at the event were arrested.