Makamba : the president of the Independent District Electoral Commission briefly arrested

Gérard Karenzo was arrested by the police on Monday morning. The incident took place in the town center of Makamba province (southern Burundi). He was questioned by a judicial police officer before being released. He is accused, among other things, of mismanaging the funds of a local church of which he is a representative. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The arrest of Gérard Karenzo came after a police search at his home and at the MOSIM church (Mountain of Salvation Ministry Church).

“Police officers arrived at his home and searched his home. Others were already at the church he represents,” say eyewitnesses who claim that the targeted person was then taken to the police station.

Local sources indicate that Mr. Karenzo is prosecuted for “mismanagement of church funds for which he is responsible.”

“The faithful insist on demanding transparency in the management of funds. However, Gérard Karenzo turns a deaf ear and, in turn, gives them the identity of CNL activists. The latter find themselves in danger because the ruling party is tracking them. They even receive threats by phone,” say our sources.

These sources add that “Karenzo was appointed as president of the Independent DIstrict Electoral Commission
as a representative of religious denominations, but in reality, it is because he is a very committed activist of the ruling party”.

Residents of Makamba even accuse him of having used a false diploma and ask the prosecutor to take advantage of the opportunity to investigate the case.

Sources at the provincial police station informed SOS Médias Burundi that Gérard Karenzo was released following the intervention of Philemon Nahabandi, president of the Independent Provincial Electoral Commission and the prosecutor of Makamba.