Barafinda Sekikubo Fred and four co-accused, Mazimpaka Patrick, Nizeyimana Didier (alias Mucoma), Japhet Nkeramihigo and Tumukunde Djuma, have appealed a decision by the Kicukiro Primary Court ordering their 30-day provisional detention.
On February 25, 2026, the court heard arguments on the prosecution’s request for pre-trial detention in a session that was later held in camera. Prosecutors asked the court to remand the suspects, citing the gravity of the offences under investigation, which fall under serious crimes.
In its ruling, the court granted the request, stating that evidence gathered during investigations and the nature of the alleged offences justified provisional detention.
According to the prosecution, at different times Barafinda allegedly collaborated with Mazimpaka Patrick and Japhet Nkeramihigo to produce and broadcast talk shows on YouTube platforms with the intent to disseminate false information and incite public hostility against the government. Prosecutors further allege that the activities were supported by external backers who sympathised with the content aired.
The trio is said to have agreed to run programmes on YouTube channels including Umurwa Live TV, Ndasiganwa TV and Saneza TV, with clearly defined roles in content preparation, broadcasting and revenue sharing.
Mazimpaka reportedly acted as the programme host, Nkeramihigo served as cameraman and was responsible for uploading content, while Barafinda regularly appeared as a guest, responding to pre-arranged discussion topics.
In one of the cited broadcasts with Mazimpaka, also known as “Karabo k’Imana”, Barafinda is alleged to have stated: “In summary, America is rich in dollars, Congo is rich in minerals, and Rwanda is rich in killings.”
Prosecutors also allege that Nizeyimana Didier, known as Mucoma, owns three YouTube channels, Saneza TV, Sana TV Show and Mucoma Sana, and recruited Tumukunde Djuma, alias Fitboy, to produce programmes aired on those platforms.
Mucoma is accused of identifying guests, agreeing on discussion topics, paying them, and linking them with Tumukunde, who would then host and upload the programmes. Some of the broadcasts involving Barafinda allegedly contained statements considered defamatory toward the country.
The appeal against the detention order is scheduled to be heard by the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on March 4, 2026.
