NYAGATARE - The National Police’s disciplinary council committee on Saturday expelled former Eastern regional police commander, Emmanuel Gakwaya, from the force because of abuse of office.

The embattled police chief is accused of diverting for personal use about Rwf 5million collected by the Kamate Farmers’ Cooperative members to buy a milk cooler and a generator.

Gakwaya, who is also a member of Kamate Farmers’ Cooperative reportedly collected the money from the members this year but ended up using the funds to meet his personal needs.

In a telephone interview with The New Times on Sunday, police spokesperson, Supt. Eric Kayiranga, confirmed that Supt. Gakwaya had been expelled from the force.

"Police officers must be people of high integrity because they are charged to keep law and order in society. He is no longer part of us,” Kayiranga said.

Kayiranga also refuted earlier reports suggesting that Gakwaya had been released after police realised that could not sustain the case against.

"He is still in police custody. Whatever the court decides, he is no longer a police officer,” added Kayiranga.

He said the disciplinary committee came up with stern action against Gakwaya as a strong warning signal to others who might want to taint the police image.

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