Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

‘You can’t teach us how to live’ – Makolo slams former HRW boss for criticizing Rwanda’s polls

Roth, a former executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), had claimed that if President Paul Kagame was re-elected with 99 percent of the vote it would be a mockery of the electoral process.

“Doesn’t Rwanda’s Paul Kagame realize that when he “wins” an “election” with some 99 percent of the vote, he mocks the whole process, making everyone realize he wanted a charade because he wouldn’t risk a real election,” the activist posted on X as Rwandans in the diaspora exercised their civic duty on July 14.

In a swift response, Makolo told the former head of the Human Rights Watch organization to stop meddling in Rwandan affairs.

“What process, whose process? People like Ken Roth need to get over the fact that they can never teach us how to live. Ever. Rwanda belongs to Rwandans. There’s a process in Ken’s country that needs serious attention – maybe focus on that?” Makolo stated in an apparent reference to the ongoing intense presidential election campaigns in the United States pitting President Joe Biden and former Head of State Donald Trump.

Rwandans in the diaspora went to the polls on Sunday to elect their president and members of parliament, while locals cast their votes on Monday.

Partial results announced by National Electoral Commission chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa on Monday night showed that Kagame of the RPF Inkotanyi party was on course to secure a landslide victory with 99.15 percent of the votes cast. His closest challenger, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, managed a mere 0.53 percent of the votes, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana got 0.32 percent.

Kagame had, during the campaign period, urged foreigners to respect Rwandans’ right to exercise their democracy by electing leaders of their choice.

Addressing a campaign rally in Muhanga District on June 24, 2024, the incumbent took issue with foreigners who claim there is no democracy in Rwanda, based on the fact that in 2003, 2010, and 2017 he was elected with nearly 100% of the votes. He explained that often in their countries, voter turnout is low.

He stated, “There are those who do not understand us, who do not understand Rwanda, but gradually, actions will speak to them. As we said before, 100%—some do not understand that 100% is democracy. How is 100% possible? They claim there is no democracy. I asked someone the other day, ‘Those governed by 15%, and those who voted are around 30% or 40% of those eligible—is that democracy? How so?’”

The RPF candidate emphasized that elections in Rwanda are solely the concern of Rwandans, as they are the ones who choose their leaders to guide them in building their nation. He urged foreign critics of Rwanda’s electoral process to address issues within their own countries instead of focusing on Rwandan elections.

July 16, 2024
RwandaDecides2024: Performance of presidential candidates by province

In partial results announced on Monday night, RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate Paul Kagame is leading with 99.15 percent of the votes cast, followed by Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, who got 0.53 percent of the votes, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana managed 0.32 percent.

At the time of the announcement of the results, Kagame had garnered 7,099,810 votes, Habineza had got 38,301 votes, and Mpayimana had obtained 22,753 votes on the national level.

The total number of votes tallied was 7,160,864, which represents 78.94 percent of the votes cast locally and in the diaspora.

While it is evident that Kagame outshined his challengers in all four provinces and the city of Kigali, Mpayimana performed better than Habineza in the diaspora and Western Province.
Kagame secured 38,803 votes (95.40%) from the Rwandan community abroad, Mpayimana came in a distant second with 998 votes (2.45%), followed by Habineza with 874 votes (2.15%).

A similar trend was observed in the Western Province, where Kagame got 1,601,447 votes (99.60%), followed by Mpayimana with 4,646 votes (0.29%), and Habineza with 1,839 votes (0.11%).

Kagame whitewashed the two candidates in the Northern Province to lead with 1,147,962 (99.65%), followed by Habineza who got 3,053 votes (0.27%), and Mpayimana who obtained 955 votes (0.08%).

Similarly, Kagame leads in the Southern Province with 1,592,657 votes (98.60%), followed by Habineza with 11,753 (0.73%) and Mpayimana with 10,855 (0.67%).

In the Eastern Province, Kagame got 1,754,489 votes (99.30%), Habineza came in a distant second with 11,349 (0.64%) followed by Mpayimana with 961 votes (0.05%).

The City of Kigali gave Kagame a boost to secure a landslide victory with 964,452 votes (98.59%), followed by Habineza with 9,433 votes (0.96%) and Mpayimana with 4,338 votes (0.44%).

A total of 9,071,157 Rwandans registered to vote in the 2024 general election. Gasinzigwa said Monday’s voter turnout was 98 percent.

The NEC will announce provisional results on July 20, with final results expected on July 27.

Overall, this year’s results mirror the outcome of the 2017 edition, where Kagame won with 98.8 percent of the votes cast. Mpayimana and Habineza, who also challenged him in the 2017 election, got 0.73 and 0.48 percent of the votes cast respectively.

July 16, 2024
Habineza concedes defeat as Kagame on course for landslide victory

The results announced by NEC chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa show that Kagame of the RPF Inkotanyi party is leading in the presidential race with 7,099,810 votes, which represents 99.15 percent of the votes tallied so far. Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda follows with 38,301 votes (0.53%), and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana managed a meagre 22,753 votes (0.32%).

Reacting to the results, Habineza said his party had accepted the results and congratulated Kagame ahead of the official announcement of the final results.

“Dear Rwandans, we have received the preliminary results released by the NEC. We would like to announce that we have accepted these results and extend our congratulations to the winner, His Excellency Paul Kagame,” Habineza said at Olympic Hotel in Kimironko, Kigali, where he was awaiting the results.

He left the hotel immediately after the comments.

Mpayimana, on his part, told journalists that the announced results were provisional and that he remains hopeful as the country awaits the final declaration of the results.

At the time of the announcement of the partial results on Monday night, NEC had tallied 7,160,864 votes, representing 78.94 percent of the votes cast.

A total of 9,071,157 Rwandans had registered to vote in the 2024 general election. Gasinzigwa said Monday’s voter turnout was 98 percent.

The NEC boss will announce provisional results on July 20, with final results expected on July 27.

Meanwhile, Kagame’s victory mirrors the outcome of the 2017 polls, where he won with 98.8 percent of the votes cast. Mpayimana and Habineza, who also challenged him in the 2017 election, got 0.73 and 0.48 percent of the votes cast respectively.

Reacting to his poised victory on Monday, President Kagame said that receiving a high number of votes demonstrates the continued trust Rwandans have in him.

“This electoral process of campaigning and voting, and now the results we are seeing, signify something very important in a person’s life. It shows trust, and I thank you for that. Trust is not easy to come by. It is not something you give to someone in an instant and then immediately receive in return; trust is something built over time,” Kagame told supporters gathered at RPF Inkotanyi headquarters in Rusororo.

“If you observe, because of this trust, all these years we have spent together […] I am never surprised by anything, no matter the difficulties we have gone through or will go through in the future. The reason is exactly that, the trust I was talking about. I am confident that, together, we will solve any problem we face.”

July 16, 2024
NEC confirms smooth and successful voting process

He said, “We commend the voters on the way they conducted themselves during the voting process. It was smooth and successful,” Munyaneza said in an interview with IGIHE shortly after the election.

He also commended the political parties for respecting the rules and regulations regarding the campaigning process and the voting exercise.

“Today, we did not see any campaigning activities on the streets, at polling stations, or elsewhere, and we thank those who contributed to this,” he emphasized.

Munyaneza noted that although voting commenced beyond the stipulated time in some parts of the country, voter turnout at most polling stations was high.

By press time, voting in some areas was still underway as provided for by the electoral laws in cases where there are valid reasons for voting to continue beyond the designated time.

He indicated that the three districts where voting was extended beyond the designated time are Gasabo, Kamonyi, and Bugesera, but elsewhere vote counting was already underway.

Munyaneza highlighted that the partial results will be announced by the NEC so as to satisfy the curiosity of Rwandans regarding the election process.

He stated, “When we talk about preliminary results, we distinguish them from those provided for by the law. Preliminary results are provided by the National Electoral Commission to give Rwandans an early insight into the election outcomes. It is to satisfy their curiosity by showing them the current state of affairs. However, the law stipulates that the final results are announced five days after the elections.”

He indicated that journalists are allowed to follow the vote-counting process and take photos of how it is progressing.

At IGIHE, we shall keep you updated.

July 15, 2024
33-year-old serial killer confesses to murdering 42 women in Kenya

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, was arrested on Monday morning in ongoing relentless efforts to deliver justice to the victims.

Khalusha was arrested at 3 am outside a club in Nairobi’s Soweto neighbourhood, where he had gone to watch the Euro 2024 football finals between England and Spain.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin told journalists in Nairobi that detectives narrowed down on the suspect after conducting forensic analysis of a mobile money account belonging to one of the victims, Josphine Mulongo Owino. Mobile money transactions conducted on the day she went missing pointed to the suspect.

Upon his arrest, the suspect led officers to his single-room rented house in Kware, located about 100m from the crime scene where bodies and other dismembered body parts were recovered.

A search of the house led to the recovery of crucial exhibits, including a machete and six Kenyan national identity cards for men, along with two belonging to women.

Other items recovered from the suspect’s house included 24 new SIM cards, eight smartphones, a laptop, nylon sacks, a pair of rubber gloves, a nylon rope, a pair of panties, and a female handbag, among other items.

Upon interrogation, the suspect gave the sleuths a chilling confession how he lured, killed, and disposed of 42 female bodies, including that of his wife, at the Kware dumping site between 2022 and July 11, 2024.

“The suspect alleges that his first victim was his wife namely Imelda Judith Khalenya whom he strangled to death before dismembering her body and disposing it at the site,” Amin said.

Khalusha told detectives that he killed his wife because she twice squandered the money he had given her to start a business.

“He told us that after marrying his first wife in 2022, he started for her a business twice but she squandered the business on both occasions. Out of bitterness he chopped her into pieces and dumped her at the quarry. Further investigations are ongoing” Amid remarked.
The suspect is also believed to have sexually assaulted his victims.

“Apparently he is a person full of vengeance and hatred and he had a special attraction for beautiful women, according to what he told us… We are dealing with a serial killer who has no respect or dignity for human life. He confessed to us that he had carnal knowledge with some of the victims,” Amin said.

Earlier, the police said that all the nine bodies recovered from the dumping site had similar injuries, indicating that the victims were killed in a similar manner. The bodies were wrapped in sacks.

Families with missing relatives have been urged to report to the authorities as investigations into the murders continue.

“We are likely to arrest more suspects because we believe he did not act alone,” Amin stated.

July 15, 2024
In the spotlight: Presidential candidates Mpayimana, Habineza speak out after vote

Paul Kagame, the incumbent President and candidate of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), along with his opponents, Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, followed the same voting procedures as the general public.

Voting took place on July 15, 2024, across numerous polling stations throughout the country. The polling stations opened early in the morning, allowing voters to cast their ballots in an orderly manner.

Each candidate participated in the voting process by going to their designated polling stations. They were seen engaging with voters and encouraging a peaceful and fair election.

Accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the President arrived at Gacuriro Technical Secondary School in Kinyinya Sector SOS Kagugu in Gasabo at 1:00 pm.

Unlike other Presidential Candidates, after casting his vote, Kagame did not speak to the
media.

Dr Habineza voted from GS Kimironko 2 polling center in Gasabo district. He expressed optimism about winning the vote.

“I am so happy to have exercised my fundamental right by voting. Having traversed the country during the campaigns, I come to vote with a solid hope that I will win with 55% and be the next President,” he said.

Habineza said that his party is certain of securing a minimum of at least 20 slots for Members of Parliament.

According to him, the smooth campaign and election exercise indicates that Rwanda has taken a big step in ensuring the prevalence of democracy.

Similarly, independent Presidential hopeful, Phillippe Mpayimana voted from Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge district.

He said that after winning (as he expects), the electorate should keep him in check based on the promises he has made throughout the campaign period.

“I am confident of winning but not 100% in fact I don’t want to win 100%. All I want is to win and show Rwandans the beauty of how they can participate in the country’s democratic process.

“After winning, I kindly request you keep asking me about the progress on the assurances included in my manifesto,” he added.

From his observation throughout the campaigns, Mpayimana said that the population yearns to get to know and vote for particular names of candidates instead of just symbols of political parties.

The National Electoral Commission has ensured that all registered voters are able to vote by implementing a technology to update voter statuses seamlessly.

The registration process was facilitated through online platforms in addition to the use of a USSD code, ensuring that all registered voters participate in the electoral process.

The National Electoral Commission established over 2,500 polling stations nationwide to ensure a fair voting process.

NEC’s Vice Chairperson, Nicole Mutimucyeye has revealed that tentative election results will be announced by 10:00 pm on voting day with the final results expected on July 27, 2024.

July 15, 2024
Reactions as Rwandans elect new leaders

Enthusiastic voters started arriving at polling centres as early as 4:00 a.m. to exercise their civic duty. However, it was not until 7:00 a.m. that they were allowed to access polling stations and cast their votes, in line with the guidelines of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Over nine million registered voters are expected to cast their votes before the polls close at 3:00 p.m.

As thousands of voters continued to stream in to elect their new leaders, many were overrun with joy and excitement about exercise.

Emile Galois Kazeneza, a forward for the national men’s basketball team implored the youth to turn out in large numbers to make their choices count in the next government.

“I am very happy to be part of the 2024 elections, and I encourage the youth to participate,” said Kazeneza, who also plays for Kepler Basketball Club.

Ariella Ampoze Rurebwayire, who just turned 18, couldn’t hide her excitement as she cast her first vote in the presidential and parliamentary election.

“This is really incredible,” she beamed, “to be able to choose my own president.”

A Filipino couple who have lived in Rwanda for 29 years and acquired Rwandan nationality lauded the NEC and the Rwandan community for meticulously organizing the peaceful election.

“I am very happy, very surprised by how well the Rwandan community organized the elections—very well organized and peaceful,” Gilbert said, adding that elections in his home country are often not peaceful.

Gilbert and his wife arrived in the country in 1995. This is their third time participating in Rwanda’s elections.

Father Vincent Nsengiyuma, who cast his vote at the GS Giheke site in Rusizi District, said he was glad to contribute to the choice of the country’s leadership.

“We, as servants of God, also have the right to vote because we are citizens. Even though someone has dedicated their life to serving God, we are Rwandans and we have a say as citizens in contributing to the election of our leaders.”

The presidential election has attracted three candidates this year. The candidates are incumbent President Paul Kagame of the RPF Inkotanyi, Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Phillippe Mpayimana.

Habineza cast his vote at Goupe Scolaire 2, in Kimironko, Gasabo District. He told the media that he expects to win the 2024 elections with at least 55% of the votes and secure at least 20 seats in the parliamentary elections.

“My expectation as I mentioned last week is that I am hoping to get at least 55% of the vote for president and ten times more MPS. We had two MPs and hoping to have at least 20 MPs this time,” said Habineza.

Mpayimana cast his vote at the Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge District, while President Kagame voted at SOS polling station in Gasabo District.

July 15, 2024
Rwandans allowed to vote at nearest polling station – NEC

Normally, every voter is supposed to vote from the village where he or she is registered but NEC has changed the directive in order to facilitate an easier voting process.

In a statement released on election day, Monday, July 15, 2024, the Electoral body said that some people may not have been able to transfer their names to another polling station and this should not infringe on their civic right.

“NEC announces that people who have not been able to relocate their names in the national voters’ register are allowed to vote at the nearest polling sites after verifying that they are registered on the voters’ list, and they will be added to the annex,” reads the statement.

This authorization is based on act No. 001/24 of February 19, 2024 guiding the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on regulations and provisions regarding presidential and parliamentary elections.

In the past, certain groups of people have been allowed to vote from a polling station that is near to them, not necessarily where they were registered due to the nature of their jobs.

They include essential workers such as medics, emergency service providers, and security personnel continue to operate as usual to ensure public safety and welfare. Others are journalists, students sitting for national examinations and the sick.

Election observers of Rwandan nationality, representatives of political organizations and independent candidates are also allowed to cast their ballot at the polling station they are working from.

July 15, 2024
Former Kenya chief justice in Rwanda to oversee general election

The general election kicked off in the diaspora on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with Rwandans across 70 countries participating in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In Rwanda, voting started at 7:00 am on Monday, July 15, and is scheduled to close at 3:00 pm.

On Tuesday, July 16, female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.

{{Maraga’s Role
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According to EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva, Maraga will lead a group of 55 observers across the country to monitor how the elections are conducted in line with existing laws.

The team will then be required to file a detailed report, highlighting key aspects of the electoral process including electoral preparedness, polling day events, and result declaration.

“The team will be assessing the level of compliance with the electoral processes and management to the international, regional, and national established laws, principles, and practices,” Maraga stated after his appointment.

“It will also be assessing adherence to the democratic principles of the EAC as enshrined in the Treaty; and offering objective recommendations for continuous improvement for the conduct of such elections.”

Yesterday, Maraga hosted mission heads from the African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to a breakfast engagement in Kigali. The Mission heads shared experiences on Rwanda’s preparedness for the general election.

Three candidates are vying for the presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls. They are independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).

Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya between October 2016 and January 2021.

The former CJ’s tenure was marked by the historic nullification of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election in 2017. It was the first presidential election to be annulled not only in Kenya but also on the whole African continent.

A seven-judge bench led by Maraga cited illegalities and irregularities as the reason for nullifying the election results contested by opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“The greatness of any nation lies in its fidelity to the Constitution and adherence to the rule of law and, above all, respect for God,” Maraga remarked in a brief ruling.

Uhuru easily won a repeat election ordered by the Supreme Court after Odinga’s party boycotted the polls.

July 15, 2024
Rwanda and Uganda movie collabo to premiere in Kampala

The movie entitled “THE HEAD” is a family drama that navigates real-life experiences surrounding family life, exploring men who would be heads of these families either staying away or neglecting their natural duties and responsibilities.

It portrays scenarios of seemingly perfect families which unravel when certain deep-rooted secrets come to light. The film delves into complexities of family dynamics, loyalty, and the struggle for identity.

Set against the backdrop of a charming, close-knit storyline, the film uses scenic beauty and the intimate community atmosphere to contrast various unifying factors between Rwanda and Uganda, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.

It features renowned actors from Umurage Art Films from Rwanda and prominent movie stars from Flair Film Promotions, a Ugandan-based dynamic and innovative film company dedicated to promoting the rich and diverse cinematic landscape in the region.

According to Jeniffer Nankabirwa, the Film Producer and CEO at Flair Film Promotions, “THE HEAD” is an educative and entertaining movie disseminating information and knowledge that contributes to the establishment and sustainability of a family.

“It speaks to fathers, mothers and children in a family setup. It’s a campaign to empower everyone to know and undertake their responsibilities as members of a family,” she said in an interview.

Nankabirwa revealed that if all goes as planned, the movie will be premiered on September 1, 2024, at Club Obligato in Kampala. It will also be premiered in Kigali at a later date.

She said that uniting with Rwandan actors was a well-thought vision to disseminate this important message to expanded horizons in the East African region and beyond.

“The ultimate goal is to work with actors from other countries including Kenya and Tanzania to reach out to larger audiences with this vital information of promoting family health amongst the public,” she noted.

When diverse talents and visions merge to create an unforgettable cinematic experience, public sensitization becomes much easier especially when it involves different beliefs and cultures.

Having successfully completed numerous shooting sessions in both countries, Nankabirwa says that efforts are underway to have the movie ready for more international showcasing.

The collaborative nature of the movie, considering the global and diverse effort to build relationships and sustainable families, suits into Rwanda’s vision of promoting the family as the smallest unit of the country’s populace.

It also speaks volumes towards the country’s strategies in empowering the film and arts industry not only to entertain but also educate and unite their audiences, fostering a greater sense of East African unity and shared identity.

During the 9th edition of Mashiriki African Film Festival held in Kigali, in November last year, suggestions were put forward on how to collectively strengthen the film industry in the region with collaborations between actors from different countries taking centre stage.

This movie is one of several recent productions that have highlighted the growing talent and unique storytelling emerging from both Rwanda and Uganda.

Such productions can serve as platforms to pass on important communication while still enabling the recipients to enjoy and grasp the message in an entertaining way.

July 14, 2024