Kenyans have now turned their heads towards Rwanda and are now demanding the freedom of Diane Rwigara, a prominent critic of President Paul Kagame, who has been in jail for almost a year now.
Ms Rwigara was arrested and charged with inciting insurrection against the state, as well as other offences.
She was blocked from challenging Kagame in last year’s presidential election in August.
She was arrested on September 22, along with her mother and sister for alleged tax evasion and forgery as well as for inciting insurrection.
In June 2018, Rwandan authorities auctioned off her family’s business assets and sold machinery from the family’s tobacco business for almost Sh2 billion ($2m) in a bid to recover Sh7 billion ($7m) in tax arrears.
The family says the auction and charges against her are politically motivated.
Now Kenyans on social media have started the hashtag #DianeRwigara just days after they did the same for Uganda’s MP Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobby Wine.
Dear Rwanda, we are giving you support to create a free and conducive political environment for the YOUTH by telling off @PaulKagame for the continued detention of Diane and others. Can I get 1000 REWEETS for #FreeDianeRwigara for Rwanda, by Rwandans. Let’s go!
– Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) August 23, 2018
President Kagame blocked me after I challenged him on Diana Rwigara. You can’t preach about good governance and accountability while terrorizing your opponents. #FreeDianeRwigara
– Rein (@Asamoh_) August 23, 2018
If Rwanda is indeed democratic,why does a president jail a competitor in openly contested general elections,intimidate and jail members of her family and auction her family business?!Kagame is no better than his Ugandan friend.They both deserve to be in prison!#FreeDianeRwigara
SOURCE: https://allafrica.com/stories/201808240576.html