Rwandan YouTuber Aimable Karasira Dies in Custody on Day of Scheduled Release, Sparking Calls for Independent Investigation
Aimable Karasira Uzaramba, a prominent Rwandan YouTube commentator, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, the very day he was set to be released from prison after completing a five-year sentence. His death has ignited calls for an independent investigation, with human rights organizations demanding clarity on the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) stated that the 48-year-old died at Nyarugenge Hospital in Kigali, attributing his death to an overdose of prescribed medication. A post-mortem report is pending. According to an RCS spokesperson, Karasira had completed pre-release procedures before consuming the medication. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away around midnight.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised alarms over the timing and nature of Karasira’s death. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, described the incident as “devastating,” emphasizing the need for accountability. “Given past reports of Karasira being tortured in detention, coupled with his unjust five-year imprisonment, Rwandan authorities must answer critical questions. We urge an independent, credible inquiry to uncover the truth,” Mumo said in a statement.
Karasira, a former university lecturer, was known for his YouTube channel Ukuri Mbona (The Truth as I See It), where he critiqued the Rwandan government and its narrative of the 1994 genocide. An ethnic Tutsi who lost family members during the genocide, Karasira’s commentary often challenged official accounts, leading to tensions with authorities.
In May 2021, Karasira was arrested and charged with genocide denial, genocide justification, causing unrest, and inciting divisions. While acquitted of all charges except inciting divisions in September 2025, he was sentenced to five years in prison. Throughout his detention, Karasira alleged mistreatment, including assault, sleep deprivation, and denial of medical care. His lawyers repeatedly argued that he was unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. Although a 2023 medical examination deemed him fit, questions lingered about his treatment behind bars.
Karasira’s death is not the first suspicious case involving a detainee in Rwanda. In 2020, gospel musician Kizito Mihigo died in police custody, with officials claiming he strangled himself. Human Rights Watch labeled the incident a “suspicious death,” and its circumstances remain unresolved years later.
Rwanda has drawn international criticism for its restrictive media environment and alleged human rights abuses. According to CPJ’s 2025 annual prison census, Rwanda ranks as the second-worst jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Ethiopia and Niger. Karasira was one of five journalists currently imprisoned in the country, four of whom are YouTubers.
His death has reignited concerns over the safety of dissenting voices in Rwanda. Advocacy groups and journalists worldwide are calling for transparency and justice, urging Rwandan authorities to allow an impartial investigation into Karasira’s death.
As the world awaits answers, Karasira’s legacy as a vocal critic and advocate for truth remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge authority in Rwanda.
— Reported by Nexio News
