Rwanda has announced the arrest of the Governor of Rwanda’s Eastern Province and former Commissioner General of Police (RTD), Emmanuel Gasana, on charges of abusing the authority entrusted to him by the law.
The arrest took place a few hours after the former police boss was suspended from his duties by the Prime Minister.
The arrest comes as a shock to many, as Gasana held positions of significant responsibility and influence within the Rwandan government.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), says he was arrested as a result of an investigation into suspected criminal activities he allegedly committed during his term as the Eastern Province Governor, allegedly for personal gain.
RIB has also stated that the investigation is still ongoing and that they will announce further information depending on findings of their investigation.
Earlier on Wednesday, October 25, his suspension as governor was communicated through a statement by the Office of the Prime Minister. He was suspended due to matters under investigation.
Gasana has been governor of the Eastern Province for about two and a half years, having been appointed by President Paul Kagame on March 15, 2021.
Prior to that, he served as the governor of the Southern Province.
He has also previously worked as the Commissioner General of Rwanda National Police (RNP) and subsequently Inspector General of Police between 2009 and 2018.
Before transitioning to RNP, he was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He was promoted to Brigadier General in the RDF and served as acting Chief of Logistics for the army.
Gasana also previously held the position of Governor of the Southern Province from 2018 to 2020.
