NYARUGENGE - Theophila Nyirahonora, 43, was yesterday elected as the new Mayor of Nyarugenge District replacing Origene Rutayisire who resigned in October last year citing personal reasons. Of the total votes cast, the former women councillor for Nyakabanda sector pooled 156 votes against 17 in favour of her closet rival, Valence Ntukanyagwe. A mother of three, Nyirahonora holds a Master’s degree in project development. She worked with the National Women Commission (CNF) as an official in charge of good governance before she moved to Intra-health Twubakane, a decentralization and health program that supports the government in addressing health care needs. Nyirahonora who is set to be sworn-in on Friday, takes office only a year before her term expires. She comes at a time when residents of Nyarugenge have long been complaining of poor services at the district level.
NYARUGENGE - Theophila Nyirahonora, 43, was yesterday elected as the new Mayor of Nyarugenge District replacing Origene Rutayisire who resigned in October last year citing personal reasons.
Of the total votes cast, the former women councillor for Nyakabanda sector pooled 156 votes against 17 in favour of her closet rival, Valence Ntukanyagwe.
A mother of three, Nyirahonora holds a Master’s degree in project development.
She worked with the National Women Commission (CNF) as an official in charge of good governance before she moved to Intra-health Twubakane, a decentralization and health program that supports the government in addressing health care needs.
Nyirahonora who is set to be sworn-in on Friday, takes office only a year before her term expires. She comes at a time when residents of Nyarugenge have long been complaining of poor services at the district level.
The new Mayor, who promised to be committed to her duties, said that her first priority will be bringing water closer to the people. Water shortage is a major concern in many parts of the city.
Meanwhile the election to fill the vacant post of Gasabo Mayor that was also scheduled for yesterday was called off after a petition from last week’s losers of the District Advisory Council election.
Emeritha Nyirabizimana who was the first runner up alleged that the elections were rigged in favour of Flavia Sarafina who was announced the winner.
"We have written to the Electoral Commission in protest of last week’s elections which were not fair,” Fahd Imanzi the campaign manager of Nyirabizimana said.
The losers argue that only 13 percent of the total number of voters turned up for the elections, and not 2/3 of all voters as stipulated by law.
Felicien Kagisha, the NEC coordinator in Kigali said that investigations are still going on to verify the claims.
"If it’s true, then the elections for Kimironko councillor will be repeated,” Kagisha said.
Gasabo District is embroiled in many problems, especially issues to do with land.
The district also made financial losses of over Rwf2 billion as a result of illegal tendering.
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