78 Suspects in Substandard Alcohol Case Referred to Prosecution.

RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry said the files were submitted to the prosecution on Monday, August 10, 2026, marking a new stage in investigations into the alleged production and distribution of beverages that fail to meet safety and quality standards.

“Over all, the suspects are accused of supplying another person with a chemical substance capable of causing death or seriously harming their health. They also face allegations including the use of forged documents, embezzlement and failure to comply with administrative regulations,” Dr. Murangira said.

Some of the suspects were presented to the media on August 6, 2026, following investigations that had been underway for some time into factories suspected of producing substandard beverages. 

Among those arrested are Samuel Ntihanabayo, commonly known as Kazungu, the former Managing Director of Ingufu Gin Ltd; Fulgence Twahirwa, who was responsible for quality control at the company; and Donias Katushabe, who was in charge of production.

At Kerry Taste & Nutrition Rwanda Ltd, those arrested include Oluwatosin Ajayi, who was responsible for operations; Belinda Kayihura Mudahogora, who oversaw production; and Peter Hamuduni, who was responsible for product distribution. 

Other suspects include Juvenal Ndayisenga, owner of Bio Hap Ltd; Eric Gatare, owner of Ebeneser Company Ltd; Alexandre Bereti, who was responsible for production at Sakaza Fruits Processing Ltd; Gilbert Safari, the company's manager; Olivier Uwishema, who was responsible for production at SinaGerard/Ese Urwibutso; and Beatrice Gahongayire, owner of Africana Buffalo Product Ltd, among others.

The arrests follow a wider government crackdown on substandard alcoholic beverages. In recent weeks, authorities have destroyed large quantities of beverages deemed unsafe, investigated their producers, distributors and sellers, and launched public awareness campaigns urging citizens to avoid consuming them.

Since the beginning of August, hundreds of litres of substandard beverages have reportedly been destroyed, while more than 140 factories suspected of producing them have been closed.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the serious health consequences associated with consuming the beverages.

Health authorities say that since the beginning of 2026, more than 50 Rwandans have died and over 100 others have suffered vision loss, while more than 500 people are currently receiving medical care in connection with the consumption of the beverages.

The referral of the 78 case files to prosecutors is expected to pave the way for further legal proceedings against those suspected of involvement in the production and distribution of unsafe alcoholic drinks.