Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) has closed the section of Sina Gerard’s factory responsible for producing alcoholic beverages, including Akarusho, following concerns over the quality of drinks manufactured there.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry confirmed the closure on August 8, 2026, while presenting to the media suspects arrested in connection with the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages.
Among those arrested are the production manager at Sina Gerard’s factory and the official responsible for alcoholic beverage production.
Murangira said the factory operates in two separate sections, one producing juices and other food products and another manufacturing alcoholic beverages.
“The section that was closed is the one producing alcoholic beverages,” he said.
The closure is part of a wider government crackdown on manufacturers of alcoholic drinks that fail to comply with safety and quality standards.
Authorities say nearly 150 alcohol-producing factories have been closed since inspections began, while more than 50 types of alcoholic beverages imported into Rwanda have also been removed from the market for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
RIB said 80 people have so far been arrested over the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages. Sixteen of those arrests were made in Kigali, while investigations remain ongoing.
The crackdown follows growing concerns about the health consequences of illicit and substandard alcohol. Figures cited by the Ministry of Health indicate that more than 50 people have died after consuming illicit alcohol, about 100 have lost their sight, and more than 11,000 people have developed alcohol dependence.
Authorities are urging alcohol manufacturers to comply with quality and safety regulations and warning consumers to avoid alcoholic products suspected of posing health risks.
Sina Gerard’s factory has separate production facilities for food products and alcoholic beverages, with only the alcoholic beverage section affected by the closure.
