The Kicukiro Primary Court has sent on a 30 days’ remand, Emmanuel Nsabimana, the head of tourism regulation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), after the judge turned down his bail plea. Nsabimana is accused of several charges including making a decision based on favouritism and nepotism, writing and abuse of office. During the ruling on bail application on Friday, March 24, the judge pointed out that there are reasonable grounds to remand him saying that he might distort evidence, or even escape justice. According to the prosecution, Nsabimana committed the alleged crime during preparations for the June 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which was hosted by Rwanda. Ahead of the hotel Star Awarding ceremony in 2022, there was an inspection carried out by hotel experts to reveal the status of hotels based on regional guidelines. The prosecution disclosed that the inspection was done in 32 hotels, each receiving one to four stars depending on the hotel's status. Following the survey, Nsabimana was given the findings to make a final report. ALSO READ: Hotel owners encouraged to live up to star grading However, before filing the final report he changed information for two hotels (Ruzizi Tented Lodge Located in Kayonza, and Rushel Resort in Rutsiro) earlier given two-star status, making them three star hotels which contradicted the experts’ findings. In his defence, Nsabimana pleaded not guilty to all alleged crimes saying that changing a two-star hotel to a three star was discussed with his colleagues. He also claimed to have done what he did in the interest of the country and to promote tourism in general.
