Emmanuel Gasana was suspended from his role as the Eastern Province Governor by the Prime Minister on October 25, one day prior to his arrest on October 26.

Faustin Nkusi, the prosecution spokesperson has said that the case file, received from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on October 30, was formally submitted to the court on November 6.

Nkusi emphasized that Gasana is facing two charges: soliciting and acceptance of illegal benefits, as well as the abuse of his official functions. These offenses are subject to the legal provisions outlined in Articles 4 and 15 of the anti-corruption law.

Gasana’s arrest, according to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, stemmed from an investigation into alleged criminal activities he is suspected of committing during his tenure as Eastern Province Governor, allegedly for personal gain.

Gasana served as the Eastern Province Governor for two and a half years, having been appointed to the position by President Paul Kagame on March 15, 2021.

Prior to this role, he had also held the position of Governor of the Southern Province.

Additionally, he had previously served as the Commissioner General of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) and later as the Inspector General of Police between 2009 and 2018. Before transitioning to the RNP, Gasana held the rank of Brigadier General in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and had served as the acting Chief of Logistics for the army.

Gasana served as the Eastern Province Governor for two and a half years prior to his suspension.