The Executive Secretary of Gikonko Cell in Gikonko Sector, Gisagara District, Léonidas Buregeya, is on trial at the High Court in Huye over allegations of soliciting and receiving a Rwf20,000 bribe.
Buregeya and his co-accused, Manishimwe Aloys, appeared in court on March 3, 2026, where prosecutors laid out corruption charges linked to the enforcement of regulations against illegal brewing of a local drink known as nyirantare.
The prosecution accuses Buregeya of requesting and receiving a bribe, while Manishimwe is charged as an accomplice. According to the state, Manishimwe allegedly collected money from individuals engaged in brewing the prohibited drink and delivered it to the cell executive secretary.
Prosecutors told the court that on February 4, 2026, Manishimwe demanded money from a brewer, who then alerted the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Gikonko Sector. Authorities subsequently conducted a sting operation.
“The Police and RIB caught Léonidas Buregeya and Manishimwe Aloys red-handed,” the prosecution submitted, adding that the four Rwf5,000 banknotes allegedly seized had been previously photocopied as part of the operation.
Accused denies bribery
Buregeya denied the allegations, arguing that the money in question was not a bribe but was intended to pay for drinks shared during a meeting aimed at resolving a domestic dispute involving the complainant.
He told the court that he had been invited for mediation and that, during the meeting, the complainant handed him the money to settle a bar bill in order to avoid further conflict with his spouse over household expenses.
“I was not given a bribe. The money was for paying the bill,” he said, maintaining that he had recently taken steps to curb illegal brewing in the area and suggesting the accusation was retaliatory.
His lawyer, Me Viateur Ndagijimana, argued that the case stems from efforts to undermine a local leader enforcing the law. He described the meeting as a routine community mediation session.
Co-accused challenges prosecution narrative
Manishimwe also pleaded not guilty, saying he merely attempted to reconcile the complainant and the cell executive secretary.
“If I was the one who used to collect money and hand it over, why did the complainant give the money directly to him?” he asked in court.
In response, the prosecution dismissed the defense’s explanation as inconsistent, arguing that the complainant had no reason to channel payment for a bill through the cell executive secretary.
The prosecution is seeking a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of Rwf60,000 for each of the accused if convicted.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on March 6, 2026.
