20091228
allafrica

Kigali — The Mayor of Musanze District Celestin Karabayinga has been arrested for allegedly embezzling up to Rwf12 million, The NewTimes has learnt.

Sources in Musanze told this newspaper yesterday that the mayor was arrested following a tip-off from a district official on the disappearance of the money.

Karabayinga was picked up along with former District Executive Secretary Oswald Habumuremyi and an official in charge of culture and Sports.

By press time, the trio was being detained at Muhoza police station. When contacted yesterday, Police spokesperson Supt. Eric Kayiranga confirmed the development.

"They were arrested because they are suspected to have embezzled about Rwf12million. They will be produced before court any time soon," Kayiranga said.

Sources say the trio forged documents to justify the expenditure of money that was meant to finance activities of civic training (Ingando) in the district.

According to available information from the district, the three conspired to embezzle the Frw12 m which was allocated to the district in 2007.

They then signed documents to dupe the accounting authorities that the money was spent.

Karabayinga's case adds to the growing number of district mayors arrested, as government escalates the fight against corruption.

Karabayinga has been the vice president of Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities-RALGA.