COVID-19: Police warns against holding birthday parties

Kabatesi Josiane the one who hosted a birthday party

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned against holding parties, a deliberate disregard of the government directives laid out by the government to contain the pandemic of Covid-19. The warning follows the arrest of people, who were found holding separate birthday parties.

On Monday, July 5, at about 7pm, Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrested seven people at the home of one Amani commonly known as Rasta located in Kivugiza Cell, Nyamirambo Sector in Nyarugenge District, where they were holding a birthday party for one Josiane Kabatesi (also arrested).

This came a day after 19 other people were also arrested in Rwezamenyo Sector, Nyarugenge District where they were holding a birthday party for their colleague.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that the parties are reported by residents leading to the arrest of partygoers. 

“Residents of Kivugiza called the Police reporting the prohibited gathering where people had organized a birthday party. Police found them eating and drinking,” CP Kabera said.

“We are not is the period of such parties and celebrations which can lead to further spread of the Covid-19 and loss of lives, and no one should entertain such behaviors and practices. Fighting Covid-19 is the responsibility of everyone to save lives, and that includes reporting people holding such prohibited parties and other violations which can fuel further spread of the virus,” he added.

The spokesperson further warned against violating the curfew and urged the public to plan their daily errands well to be home by 6pm.(End)