Nyabihu: Two Arrested with 78 Jerrycans of Illegal Beer Known as Kinyundo

Semagori Pierre Claver, a resident of Seshwara trading center in Jenda Sector, Nyabihu District, is being sought by security authorities after 21 jerrycans of illegal beer called Kinyundo were discovered at his business premises.

Others arrested include Uwimana Patrick, who was caught with 57 jerrycans of the same beer and taken into custody. This was the second time both individuals had been apprehended, with one having been fined 100,000 Rwandan francs less than two weeks prior.

A vendor at the trading center who spoke with Imvaho Nshya reported that these men had been secretly delivering the beer at night, storing it at the back of the building where they conduct business, while displaying only legal beer at the front to mislead authorities.

“They knew authorities were monitoring them, so they started changing the days and times they brought in the beer,” the vendor said. “It’s believed they get it from Gakenke District in the north, although we’re unsure of the exact sector or cell it comes from. Uwimana Patrick, who resides in Gataraga, Musanze District, was also reported by residents.”

Another witness told Imvaho Nshya that the authorities immediately destroyed the seized beer.

“As soon as the authorities and security forces saw the beer, they poured it out,” the witness said. “A total of 78 jerrycans, holding 1,560 liters, were destroyed. This beer has been wreaking havoc in the community—just one bottle can impair someone’s ability to walk, and unfortunately, even women and young people are consuming it excessively.”

The community has urged the authorities to eradicate this beer, linking it to the violence frequently occurring in local trading centers. Its appeal lies in its low price, with a single bottle costing only 300 Rwandan francs.

Residents report that this beer, which often has severe effects on consumers, is made by mixing sugar with crushed burnt bricks, along with unknown fermenting agents and other ingredients.

The Executive Secretary of Jenda Sector, Niyonsenga Jeanne d’Arc, told Imvaho Nshya that the suspects were apprehended following information provided by residents, who had been complaining about the crimes committed by those who consume this beer.

“It was challenging to catch them because, once they realized they were under surveillance, they changed the days they brought in the beer. We monitored them for days as residents tipped us off, and eventually, we seized it.”

Niyonsenga noted that Semagori managed to escape, reportedly moving in with another woman, as he has two wives. Uwimana Patrick, however, was found on-site. Initially, he resisted arrest, refusing to open the door, but after some time, he complied, and the beer was destroyed. Both suspects will be held accountable, especially given their repeated offenses.

Niyonsenga explained that, based on the appearance of the beer, it poses significant health and economic risks to the community.

“Kinyundo, as I saw it, is a very dangerous beer. It looks unpleasant with a dark color, emits a foul smell, and is unlike regular beer, which is usually clear and clean. We destroyed 78 jerrycans totaling 1,560 liters, and we’re grateful to the residents who provided the information, encouraging them to continue reporting any suspected activity so we can eliminate it entirely in this district.”

She stated that the fugitive is still being sought and will be punished upon capture, emphasizing that they are committed to completely eradicating this harmful substance because of its negative impact on both consumers and the broader community.

She also urged residents to consume safe, quality drinks that do not harm them or cause them to make mistakes, and even to consider quitting if necessary, to protect their health and that of others, as the production and content of such illegal beers remain unknown and potentially unsafe.

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