Two Convicted in Public Trial Over Illegal Kanyanga Production in Kayonza

Kayonza, Rwanda, June 20, 2026 - Two residents of Kayonza District have been convicted and sentenced after a public trial over the illegal production of kanyanga, a prohibited locally distilled alcoholic drink.

The public hearing was held at Gasarabwai Football Stadium in Nyamugari Cell, Mwiri Sector, where the High Court found Jean Damascene Ntibenda and Elna Nyirabakunzi guilty of offenses related to the manufacture of the illicit alcohol.

The pair were arrested on April 14, 2026, after authorities discovered them producing kanyanga at Nyirabakunzi's residence. Ntibenda was caught in the act and told the court he had been hired by Nyirabakunzi to distill the alcohol in exchange for 2,000 Rwandan francs.

After pleading guilty, Ntibenda was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and fined Rwf2.5 million. Nyirabakunzi, who was tried in absentia after previously being released because of her pregnancy with twins, received a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of Rwf5 million.

Residents who attended the public trial welcomed the decision, saying it would help deter the illegal production and consumption of kanyanga, which they linked to rising insecurity in the community.

Local leaders said the illicit trade remains widespread, with producers increasingly using concealed structures to avoid detection.

The acting Mayor of Kayonza District, Fred Hategekimana, urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspected illegal alcohol production and drug-related activities.

He also called on local authorities to intensify inspections of suspected production sites, stressing that combating illicit alcohol and drug abuse requires the participation of the entire community.