Kigali: A young man, identified as Bishimwe Thierry, believed to be in his early twenties, tragically killed himself on Wednesday afternoon after jumping from the 13th floor of a popular building known as “Makuza Plaza” in downtown Kigali.
Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred around 4:00 PM. Bishimwe reportedly entered the building alone and made his way to the restaurant on the top floor. Before he could be served, he jumped from the building, landing fatally in the City Walk courtyard below.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, confirmed the incident. He stated that a police investigation is underway to understand the circumstances and possible motive behind the young man’s decision.
“Our initial information indicates that he went alone to a restaurant on the 13th floor. After sitting quietly for a while, he jumped and died on the spot. Emergency services responded quickly but found him already deceased,” ACP Rutikanga said.
Police immediately cordoned off area, as a crowd of shocked onlookers gathered nearby. Among the deceased’s personal belongings were a mobile phone and a handwritten note dated May 20.
The letter contained emotional messages, in which Bishimwe apologized to those he may have hurt and expressed gratitude to those who supported him. He also criticized his parents, accusing them of neglect and urging them to take better care of his younger sibling.
“We just heard a loud thud,” said one witness. “When we ran to check, we found a young man lying motionless. He wore a t-shirt, trousers, and shoes. We were stunned—no one knew what had pushed him to that point.” an eyewitness said.
