The 10 children who drowned in Nyabarongo River on July 17 were laid to rest on Wednesday, July 19. The victims were laid to rest in a cemetery near Nyabarongo River, in Matyazo Cell, in Mushishiro Sector, Muhanga District.

Gilbert Mugabo, the Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, told The New Times that the District was assisting the bereaved families during the funeral.

"The families requested for it [immediate burial] citing their exhaustion and the fact that they had been at the river since Monday. They wanted the ceremony to be held today since all the bodies were recovered,” he said

ALSO READ: UPDATE: All bodies of children who drowned in Nyabarongo River retrieved

ALSO READ: Police retrieve four bodies of children who drowned in Nyabarongo

The Police reported that Jean-Pierre Ndababonye, 41, who is in custody, rented a boat to transport 13 children from the village. He wanted them to unload roofing materials across the river in Ndaro sector, Ngororero district. Tragedy struck when the boat sank halfway through the journey.

Only three children and Ndababonye survived.

ALSO READ: Ten children feared drowned in Nyabarongo, man in custody

Thierry Murangira, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson, said they are still searching for Innocent Banganyiki, a 30-year-old suspect also involved in the incident.

Murangira said the suspects face two charges: involuntary manslaughter and engaging in prohibited work involving a child.