By Jean-Pierre A.
Rwanda’s famous IT lecturer-turned-YouTuber, Aimable Karasira, died on Wednesday, 6 May ,as he was being released from prison in the capital, Kigali, the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) said in a statement released on Thursday.
According to prison authorities, Mr Karasira died at Nyarugenge Hospital after allegedly overdosing on his prescription medication.
RCS spokesperson Hillary Sengabo, later said in a TV interview with a local media outlet, that Karasira had been suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and mental health issues, adding that a post-mortem examination would be carried out.
Karasira needs little introduction within Rwanda’s online community and digital space. He became famous for his commentary on current political affairs, social issues, Rwanda’s pre-genocide political situation, and the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The YouTuber, who was also a musician, was often invited by fellow content creators to discuss topics rarely covered by mainstream media and many online channels. He sometimes included humour in his commentaries, and many of his interviews went viral among Rwanda’s online audience.
Some government critics and human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation, viewing his death on the day of his release as suspicious.
“Rwandan authorities should conduct an effective, independent and transparent investigation into the death in custody of Aimable Karasira, a Rwandan academic and outspoken government critic, on the day he was set to be released from prison,” Human Rights Watch said on Thursday.
A fierce critic of the current Rwandan government, Karasira was arrested in 2021 and, in 2025, sentenced to five years in prison for inciting division.
Last year, the High Court acquitted him of other charges he had faced, including inciting public disorder, justifying genocide and genocide denial.
In an interview with the Rwandan broadcaster, TV One, a private media outlet, the RCS spokesperson said Karasira was being escorted out of prison at around 14:00 or 15:00 on Wednesday when he took another dose of his medication.
According to the spokesperson, prison officials attempted to take the medication away from him it was too late.
