An Open Letter to Rwomushana Charles, ‘Mr I Know It All’

  • by Guest Writer
  • September 13, 2020

Greetings Rwomushana

This is to respond to your face book post regarding Kanyamunyu and Akena. To start with, you made a factual error in claiming that the scene of shooting happened at Forest Mall, yet its public knowledge that the shooting happened at the stretch next to the entrance to Rugby grounds. An old lady selling grand nuts and other assorted items in a basket was a witness to this. I am not sure why Bichachi agreed to be taken around Forest Mall in search of a scene which was clearly stated to have been next to Rugby grounds.

Secondly you and your ilk have continuously claimed that Kanyamunyu and Akena were known to each other. In this day and era of social media, you have failed to adduce any pictorial or any other evidence to demonstrate that the two were known to each other. All you keep saying are claims that no one has ever substantiated. Following the murder of Akena, lots of picture of those two were shared on many social media platforms. No where do we see a picture of Akena and Kanyamunyu together. But you continue making the claims.

Before proceeding, I need to remind you that not so long ago, you took us through an *episode of mourning a man who was alive, eating sausages and mashed potatoes at Salehs home* all because of your useless conspiracy theories. Now you have started another rumour-based conspiracy theory on Kanyamunyu. You are lucky that you keep playing in the minds of gullible people who easily believe anything.

All legalities notwithstanding, the gesture demonstrated by Kanyamunyu in seeking forgiveness from the aggrieved and bereaved family should be commended. Traditional justice system (reconciliatory) offers better outcomes than the legal system which is punitive. Am certain the family of Akena, despite what they have had to endure since the murder of their son, have a high sense of closure than waiting on the legal system.

For those who have been involved in motor accidents, where they have killed someone, you will know that you always go through something like this, seeking forgiveness and offering a compensation with the bereaved family. You might argue that this was a shooting. Yes, shooting as a result of an accident and Kanyamunyu being full of himself and failing to manage his anger. His first act of remorse was to take Akena to hospital. Now he has gone to his family to seek forgiveness and allow to partake in the cultural ritual of forgiveness and atonement. Whereas there is nothing that can replace life, an act of remorsefulness and offering to make amends where you wronged should be applauded.
Its only the political vultures who will continue dancing on Akenas grave to score useless political points. You can spew everything in any direction you desire, but one thing we must celebrate as a society is the act of taking personal responsibility and seeking forgiveness. I doubt a judicial or legal process can ever offer the level of engagement families get out of these traditional processes.

To people in our justice system, you need to think more about our traditional justice systems and how they can be integrated in the legal regime to deliver healing and justice in our society. To all those who believe in justice and healing, this is a good reminder about good neighbourliness. To the Political vultures, desist from using people’s losses in your politics.

All the best.

By Abigail Ariho