A member of the Imbonerakure was fatally stabbed by one of his peers in a context of serious violence involving a knife, illustrating once again the persistent violent behavior within this structure.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, at the Nyamugerera center, Musigati hill, Musigati zone, Bubanza commune, Bujumbura province.
The victim was identified as IRAKOZE Daniel, 26 years old, originally from Musigati hill. The perpetrator is NDAYIKENGURUKIYE Samuel. Both individuals worked as woodcutters in the surrounding forests of Bubanza.
🔶 Circumstantial Details
According to consistent reports from local sources, the two individuals were consuming alcoholic beverages in a public place when a verbal disagreement broke out.
NDAYIKENGURUKIYE Samuel reportedly demanded that his companion be quiet. When Daniel refused, the situation quickly escalated. The alleged perpetrator then pulled out a knife hidden in his clothing and struck multiple fatal blows, hitting the victim in the chest, directly at the heart.
IRAKOZE Daniel died on the spot from massive bleeding caused by the severity and depth of the wounds.
“The attack was extremely brutal. The knife was driven repeatedly until it caused the victim’s immediate death,”
reported a source present at the scene.
The body was transported to the morgue of Bubanza Hospital. The perpetrator, NDAYIKENGURUKIYE Samuel, was restrained by locals and handed over to the Musigati security forces.
🔶 Concerning Knife Circulation.
This crime has caused shock among the local population. Serious questions remain about how a member of the Imbonerakure could carry a concealed knife without legal justification.
According to multiple consistent reports, the carrying of knives by Imbonerakure members has become commonplace, contributing to a climate of intimidation, fear, and violence, sometimes at the cost of human lives.
The local population demands full accountability and calls for effective judicial proceedings, without consideration of political affiliation or institutional protection, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law.
🔶 Call to Action
The King Umurundi Freedom Organization calls for:
● the immediate initiation of effective judicial proceedings against the perpetrator;
●the end of any political or institutional protection that hinders the application of the law.