RNP mourns Loss of retired CSP Richard Kamanzi after fatal Kibagabaga landslide
A retired senior police officer has died after a retaining wall collapsed onto his home following heavy rainfall in the City of Kigali, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, at around 1pm in Rindiro Village, Kibagabaga Cell, Kimironko Sector of Gasabo District. The victim, 57-year-old Richard Kamanzi, had retired from the Rwanda National Police at the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
According to authorities, runoff water from a higher compound weakened a retaining wall constructed along a fence above his property. The wall later gave way, collapsing onto a bedroom where Kamanzi was resting at the time. He succumbed to his injuries after being trapped under the rubble.
A view of the retaining wall that collapsed onto CSP Richard Kamanzi's house in Kibagabaga Cell, Kimironko Sector of Gasabo District. Courtesy
His body was retrieved and transported to Rwanda Military Hospital for further procedures.
Chief Inspector of Police Wellars Gahonzire, spokesperson for the police in the City of Kigali, confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“We condole with the family on this loss. The immediate action in place is to secure shelter for them, as the house was destroyed,” Gahonzire said on Sunday evening.
When reporters visited the scene on Monday morning, debris from the collapsed retaining wall and parts of the damaged house was still being cleared. About five men were seen removing rubble to prevent further destruction in case of additional rainfall. Police officers remained at the site, conducting investigations and safeguarding the family’s property, with access restricted to authorized individuals.
Kamanzi’s widow, Cynthia Mugisha, alongside relatives, was seen evacuating household belongings from the damaged residence.
A view of the late police officer’s home, with spades and other equipment used to remove debris (Photo by Charles Nyandwi)
Neighbours attributed the collapse to poorly managed runoff water from homes located uphill. Some residents said concerns about inadequate drainage had previously been raised but remained unresolved.
“We have experienced a retaining wall collapse here before, though it did not result in death,” said one neighbour who requested anonymity. “Kamanzi and other residents had been saying that water from houses upstream should be properly channeled.”
The landslide also slightly damaged a nearby house, where part of a wall collapsed and affected a carport.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during the ongoing rainy season. Gahonzire advised the public to ensure proper drainage around their homes, avoid walking during heavy rain, refrain from sheltering under trees, and avoid blocking drainage channels. He also called on parents to closely monitor their children during storms.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency recently issued a warning of above-average rainfall and strong winds expected across the country in the final ten days of February, heightening concerns over potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
