Nyanza Local Officials Find 26 People Praying in Forest Despite COVID-19 Measure

Officials in Nyanza district, southern Rwanda, are holding 15 adults who were found reportedly praying for end of the COVID-19 pandemic – one of many such cases happening lately.

In total, they were 26 people including 11 children. At around 11am on Saturday, they were hiding in a small forest located in Kigarama village, Nyarurama cell of Cyabakamyi sector.

The children were released to go back home. The adults are currently detained at Nkomero police station in Mukigo sector. Some of those arrested are parents of the children let free.

Though restrictions on control of spread of COVID-19 do not not stop people from praying, it is not allowed to converge in groups. Prayer gatherings and others not allowed anywhere.

Such gatherings of people hiding away or locked in house, said to be praying for end of yhe pandemic have happened in different districts.