The Redeemed Gospel Church lead by Bishop Innocent Rugagi in Kigali,
Rwanda. The church is among those closed over noise pollution. PHOTO |
CYRIL NDEGEYA | NMG
Police in Rwanda has arrested six pastors suspected of planning
to disrupt the ongoing crackdown on churches by government over fraud
and security concerns.
Rwanda National Police
spokesperson Theos Badege told journalists on Monday that the six "ring
leaders" were scheming to mobilise other clergy to oppose the churches
closure by Kigali City authorities and the Rwanda Governance Board
(RGB).
“They are suspected of forming illegal groups
and conducting unlawful meetings with the intention of sabotaging or
blocking an ongoing government exercise,” Mr Badege said.
The
clampdown began two weeks ago and has seen at least 714 churches closed
for not meeting regulations such as standard structures, sanitation
requirements, location of churches and certificates of operation.
Among
the those arrested are flamboyant Bishop Innocent Rugagi of Redeemed
Gospel Church Rwanda and Apostle Charles Rwandamura of United Christian
Church (UCC).
Others are pastors Fred Nyamurangwa, James Dura and Emmanuel Shyaka Kalisa and Reverend Emmanuel Ntambara.
Last week, President Paul Kagame commented on the ongoing
operation saying that he was surprised by the large number of churches.
He pointed out that had there been proper planning, the situation would
not have got to a level where the government has to close churches.
“Seven hundred churches in Kigali? Are these boreholes that give people water?”
“I
don’t think we have as many boreholes. Do we even have as many
factories? But 700 churches, which you even had to close? This has been a
mess!” He said.
Mr Badege said the six pastors will be arraigned in court but did not indicated when.
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