Rwasa’s followers are tracked and killed

 Déo Barakekenwa , also known as ‘Murundi’, the representative of the National Forces of Liberation (FNL) political party at Kiyange 1 (Gatumba area) was shot dead on 13 October. His close companions can identify his murderers.Is Murundi the first FNL victim since the Imbonerakure returned from Congo?-By Elyse Ngabire, translated by Lorraine Josiane Manishatse

Déo Barakekenwa

Members of FNL, the party led by Rwasa Agathon from the Gatumba, Rubirizi and Maramvya areas in Mutimbuzi Commune are panicking. Amatus Nshimirimana, the representative of FNL in the Mutimbuzi area says that the tension started to build when the youth from CNDD-FDD party, the ‘Imbonerakure’came back from Kibira Ondes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they were following paramilitary training.

Nshimirimana indicates that a few days before the murder, rumors about a death list circulated. “The rumor appears to be true”, he regrets. On 13 October, 2014 around 9 pm, inhabitants of Mushasha 1 quarter heard a gunshot. An unknown person shot Déo Barakekenwa. According to inhabitants of the area, Barakekenwa was on his way home when he met his neighbor and talked for a few minutes. An unknown person wearing long dark clothes interrupted them by asking them if they knew someone called Claude. “We said no”, the neighbor explains.  The murderer seemed to continue his way; but backed up and shot Barakekenwa in the neck.

The neighbor indicates that while in shock, Déo Barakekenwa cried: “Almighty and eternal God, I am not spiritually prepared, have mercy on me and receive me into your kingdom.” He was killed less than 150 m from  his home.

Murundi, a peaceful citizen

Murundi (meaning Burundian) was the owner of a little restaurant. He got up very early in the morning to run his business,  called “We Murundi baguhe icupa” which means “you Burundian, I offer you a beer”. Barekekenwa didn’t expect death. He was hoping to earn more than usual because it was a day off. “He expected many customers”, testifies Barakekenwa’s wife. Around 4pm, on Monday, he shared a glass with his best friend Thaddée Ndayisenga also member of FNL party at Gatumba. “We were at Adelaide’s Bar. Nobody thought   something bad would happen”, Ndayisenga says The two friends separated around 7 pm when Barakekenwa went to see another friend called Magara. He has been assaulted in the street before Musepe’s house.

According to his neighbor, ‘Murundi’ was a peaceful person. The same neighbor recalls that he had a great belief in the FNL party of Rwasa Agatho. “He was a strong mobilizing person”, he says. Déo Barakekenwa was 46 years old. He was born in Kinama commune, Bujumbura Province. His old comrades will keep great memories on him as a foot-ball fan. The father of five children, he was buried on Friday 17^th October at Mpanda.

Friends of the late Barakekenwa and members of the FNL are full of fear. According to reliable sources, they were intimidated by youth from ’Imbonerakure’ the day before the funeral. They were warned not to talk about the presumed perpetrators. It is important to notice that Rwasa Agathon was present during a farewell service at Roi Khaled Hospital morgue, in order to show his support towards his followers.