The anti-corruption unit has arrested the eastern region’s police commander for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for a farmers’ association in the area, The New Times has learnt.

A police source told this newspaper yesterday that the police boss, Chief Supt. Emmanuel Gakwaya was arrested last week for allegedly embezzling about Rwf 5million.

According to the source, Gakwaya had been given money by Kamate farmers’ cooperatives in Karangazi sector to buy a generator and milk cooler but instead, he diverted it for his personal use.

A member of the association who spoke to The New Times on condition of anonymity said yesterday the money was accrued after years of saving.

"He should be taken to court and explain what happened to our money. The funds were hard-earned and nobody should mismanage it,” the member said.

Gakwaya was arrested following complaints from the farmers.  A source from the Office of the Prosecutor General said yesterday that Gakwaya’s file case was under scrutiny.

"We are looking into his case,” the source, who declined to be named because he does not speak on behalf of the institution, said.

When contacted yesterday, Police spokes person, Supt. Eric Kayiranga confirmed the development.

"Yes, he was arrested. There was a breach of trust on his side and the law will take its own course,” Kayiranga said by phone.

His arrest comes days after police picked up Nyagatare District Mayor, Robert Kashemeza, his deputy in charge of social affairs, Immaculée Mukabahizi, Rwempasha Sector Executive Secretary, Claude Mushabe and Umutara Polytechnic University dean of the faculty of languages, Dr. Robert Mugisha.

According to police, the officials were arrested for allegedly mismanaging public funds amounting to Rwf10 million.

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