Rwanda: Illicit Alcohol Left Me Blind, Took My Wife's Life - Ruhango Man

What the report says

Gaspard Karekezi, a resident of Bweramana Sector in Ruhango District, Rwanda, says he lost his sight after drinking illicit alcohol that also led to the death of his wife and two friends. The account was reported by The New Times and distributed by AllAfrica, with the incident described as beginning in February and worsening after the group drank a brew that had been brought home by Karekezi’s wife.

According to the report, Karekezi said his wife, Annonciatha Mukantaganda, became ill first and died the same night after showing severe symptoms. He later fell ill after attending her burial, was taken to the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), and survived after emergency surgery. He says doctors told him the illness damaged his optic nerves, leaving him blind. The article identifies the other two deaths as Samuel Munyambibi and Immaculee Nyiramahirwe, who were said to have provided the alcohol.

CHUB’s acting director general, Dr Christian Ngarambe, said the hospital suspects methanol may be involved in some cases linked to illicit alcohol and warned that symptoms can resemble a hangover, delaying treatment. An ophthalmologist quoted in the piece also said toxic alcohol can seriously harm the eyes if care is not sought quickly.

Ruhango District Mayor Valens Habarurema confirmed the deaths and Karekezi’s blindness, and said police investigators had visited the area. The report adds that Rwanda’s health minister previously said 44 people had died this year after drinking unsafe alcoholic beverages, underscoring the wider public health concern.