Prosecutors have requested prison sentences of up to 25 years for eight people accused of transporting, distributing and selling substandard alcoholic drinks made with ethanol in Nyabihu District.
The case is being heard publicly in Bigogwe Sector and involves five men and three women. One of the suspects is currently on the run and is being sought by security authorities.
The prosecution alleges that the accused were involved in a network that transported ethanol and distributed alcoholic drinks produced from the chemical.
Some of the accused are motorcycle taxi operators who were allegedly caught transporting ethanol, while others are accused of selling the resulting alcoholic drinks.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged trade had severe consequences for consumers, including 11 deaths and one case of permanent blindness.
The case has produced mixed pleas from the accused. Some have admitted to the allegations, while others have denied involvement.
Several motorcycle taxi operators acknowledged transporting ethanol to sellers but told the court they were simply carrying out paid assignments and did not know how the substance would be used.
Another suspect admitted selling the drinks but claimed he was unaware that they could cause fatal harm.
One of the accused women is alleged to have provided the drinks to members of her family, including her grandmother and husband. Prosecutors allege that her grandmother died after consuming the alcohol, while her husband lost his sight permanently.
The woman told the court that she did not know the drinks could cause such serious health consequences.
Prosecutors dismissed the defendants’ explanations, arguing that the evidence gathered during investigations demonstrates their involvement in the alleged offences.
The prosecution has sought different penalties based on the alleged roles of the suspects. Some have been requested to serve 10 years in prison and pay Rwf5 million fines, while others face requests for 25-year prison terms and Rwf1 million fines.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 10, 2026.
The case comes as Rwanda intensifies its crackdown on substandard and illicit alcoholic drinks, which authorities have linked to serious health risks.
President Paul Kagame said during a media briefing on August 24 that the government would not tolerate activities that put citizens’ lives at risk, warning that the production of substandard alcohol would not be allowed to continue and that those involved would face action.
