In Bugesera district, four individuals have been charged with producing and distributing kanyanga, a locally brewed alcohol that has claimed 17 lives.
The suspects are being prosecuted by the Gasabo High Council Prosecutor’s Office. Investigations show the illegal operations took place in Kavumu village, Nyakayenzi cell, Ngeruka sector.
Authorities arrested the suspects on February 2, 2026. One of the accused reportedly brewed the alcohol and personally distributed it to others, even serving it at his home. Victims who fell ill were taken to hospitals, where tests confirmed the presence of toxic methanol in the drinks.
Others implicated include the brewer’s two sons and his wife, who assisted in selling the alcohol to buyers.
The suspects face charges under Article 11 of Law No. 69/2019 for drug-related offenses and Article 115 of Law No. 68/2018 for supplying substances that endanger or destroy human life.
This case highlights the ongoing public health threat posed by illegal alcohol production and distribution in Rwanda.
