The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has called on celebrities who previously promoted alcoholic drinks removed from the market over quality concerns to now use their influence to discourage their consumption.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry made the appeal on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press briefing on the ongoing crackdown on substandard alcoholic drinks and efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
He specifically appealed to musicians, social media influencers and other public figures who had promoted some of the affected products, urging them to use their popularity to support the campaign against substandard drinks.
“The same path they used to promote them, they should use again to say, ‘Hehe n’icyuma’ [no to substandard drinks]. It is not shameful. Perhaps they promoted them without knowing, but now they know. We ask them to join us,” Dr. Murangira said.
He said celebrities have the reach and public influence needed to help change consumer behaviour and raise awareness about the risks associated with substandard alcoholic drinks.
“What we need from them in this campaign is their courage, their energy and their fame. Their influence should not be absent from this fight,” he said.
Dr. Murangira said celebrities should continue using their public platforms to contribute to national campaigns, particularly those aimed at protecting communities.
“We should not see them enjoying the benefits of fame while, when it is time to contribute to building Rwanda, they are nowhere to be found,” he added.
The RIB spokesperson further urged the public to move on from celebrities’ previous involvement in promoting the products and instead support efforts to eliminate substandard alcoholic drinks from the market.
“Rwandans need to forget that you promoted that substandard drink, and they should forget about the drink itself,” he said.
