Bujumbura : Journalist Kenny Claude Nduwimana transferred from Mpimba jail to the National Intelligence Service (SNR) cells

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, October 26, 2025 —
Journalist Kenny Claude Nduwimana was removed on Friday, October 24, from Bujumbura’s central prison, known as Mpimba, to be held in the cells of the National Intelligence Service (SNR), located at its headquarters in the commercial capital, Bujumbura.

According to several concordant sources, the journalist was taken there in the afternoon, around 4 p.m., after spending nearly five hours in solitary confinement.
A relative who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi on Saturday confirmed the events :

“We were told he was to be sent back to Mpimba on Saturday, before changing that and saying it would be Monday,” he testified.

The reasons for this transfer remain unknown for the time being, but according to the journalist’s family, it could be linked to information recently published by a Burundian media outlet based abroad, alleging the probable rape of women detained in Mpimba, with the alleged complicity of certain prison officials.

However, the journalist and his family deny any involvement in these allegations. Other sources describe them as a move to extend his detention.

“Kenny had appeared in court three times in the past three weeks, and a process was underway at the highest levels to release him. “Undoubtedly, people acting in bad faith, who want him to languish in prison, are behind all this,” said a source close to the case.

In Burundi, some detainees manage to obtain phones clandestinely. Kenny Claude Nduwimana also reportedly possessed one. According to our information, his device was searched without any compromising evidence being found.

A controversial judicial case

As a reminder, Kenny Claude Nduwimana was sentenced to eight months in prison on August 26, 2024, after spending ten months in pretrial detention. In December 2024, a certificate of non-appeal was issued, stating that the case was closed and that he should be released.

However, on January 21, 2025, the prosecution filed an appeal well after the legal deadline of 90 days. The defense considers this appeal inadmissible and illegal.

In early 2025, the former chairperson of the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, expressed his concerns before the National Assembly :

“He remains in Mpimba while he should be free. Do you think this won’t have consequences for the country?”

Shortly after, Nimuraba left the country, himself targeted by accusations of embezzlement, amid heightened tensions between institutions.

Prosecuted for fraud and insulting his honor via social media, Kenny Claude Nduwimana believes he was targeted for having denounced cases of the theft of public land. He continues to proclaim his innocence and calls for the law to be enforced :

“If the Burundian justice system is truly independent, I must be released.”