KIGALI - The Police yesterday managed to put halt what it called an unlawful protest that was about to set off from the American Embassy in Kigali.

According to the Police Spokesman, Eric Kayiranga, some people had unlawfully formed gatherings before the police swung into action and dismissed them.  

"We heard information that there was an illegal and unlawful gathering taking place around Kigali. We had not been informed about these gatherings so we immediately intervened and halted them,” Kayiranga told the press yesterday afternoon.

"We have summoned 20 to 30 people and we are currently interrogating them; we will avail you with details soon,” he added.

Holding any form of gathering or protest has to be authorized by district officials where the gathering or protest will take place.

According to the Police, those summoned at the police station did not have authorization to hold the gatherings.
In a related development, the police are currently holding the controversial founder of PS Imberakuri, Bernard Ntaganda.

"We are currently interrogating him on charges related to attempted murder of his successor in the party (Christine) Mukabunani, divisionism based on ethnicity and malice,” said Kayiranga.

He hastened to add that the police are yet to establish whether Ntaganda is connected to the demonstration that was halted yesterday.

Apparently, Ntaganda had requested Gasabo District to hold a demonstration but the district turned down the request on grounds that he did not have valid reasons to demonstrate.

Ends