On Monday morning, Kakooza Nkuliza Charles (KNC), owner of Radio & TV1 and a prominent sports journalist, accused Rwandan media of instigating fan riots during the Rayon Sports vs. Bugesera FC match. The highly anticipated game was abandoned after fans disrupted play in protest of what they perceived as poor officiating.
"I want to tell you one thing," KNC said. "We journalists bear a huge responsibility when these incidents happen. We stirred up the public—why? It broke my heart to see how some media outlets pushed a week-long narrative claiming Rayon Sports would be cheated. Those investigating this need to focus on the propaganda spread by our journalists."
While KNC admitted that the match itself wasn’t extraordinary, he argued that the fans’ unrest was brewed by sensationalized media coverage. "The fans came to the match influenced by our stories. It’s as though we prepared them to riot. We, the media, damaged football by corrupting the fans," he declared.
He added, "Such disruptions could’ve been avoided if the public wasn’t poisoned by media propaganda. This cannot continue. Rwanda isn’t a country where recklessness like this should happen. While we scrutinize those in football, journalists must also reflect on their impact."
Going a step further, KNC controversially compared the media’s behavior to that of Leon Mugesera, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He remarked, "I attribute the fans’ actions to propaganda by the media. It’s a degenerative media that has gone astray."
KNC stated he was ready to cooperate with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) if summoned. He emphasized, "The events leading up to this match aren't far off from what we saw with [Leon] Mugesera. This must change in a country with values. Some of us spilled blood for this nation—it’s unacceptable for others to act recklessly."
Sam Karenzi emphasized that KNC must face RIB if equality under the law stands firm.
Sam Karenzi, owner of SK FM and host of the show "Urukiko rw’Ikirenga," was among the first to respond. He urged KNC to clarify his comments with RIB, specifically over his comparison of journalists to genocide perpetrators. "
"KNC, like all of us, is a journalist—not a leader," Karenzi argued. "If everyone is truly equal under the law, KNC should be the first to explain how he equated sports journalists to people who committed atrocities."
"As journalists, we must reject such harmful comparisons," Karenzi continued. "KNC doesn’t have a monopoly on opinions about Rwandan sports. The media sector—AJSIPORO—needs to issue an official statement condemning these comments. We cannot let our audience confuse us with genocide perpetrators."
Karenzi questioned KNC’s credibility in criticizing the sector: "KNC isn’t a flawless figure in sports or the one to dictate its progress. He doesn’t love the sport or the country more than the rest of us Rwandans. He cannot position himself as the sole authority on how we, as journalists, do our work."
This isn’t the first verbal clash between the two media figures. In early 2024, tensions soared after KNC dissolved his football club, Gasogi United, claiming frustration with Rwandan football management. The controversial move triggered intense debates, particularly on platforms like Fine FM.
During follow-up interviews, KNC accused media outlets of unfairly blaming Gasogi United for broader issues in Rwandan football. "Let me be clear—this team wasn’t a failure. Did I ask anyone for help? Some of these critics might not even know what money is. Their aim is insignificant YouTube clout," he retorted.
According to IGIHE, KNC characterized these challenges as personal attacks: "People should focus complaints where they belong. This reminds me of a rabbit entering a lion’s den—it’s a game for serious players, not amateurs chasing shadows."
Karenzi countered, accusing KNC of deflecting blame through anger. "Why turn embarrassment into rage? Ever seen men come home empty-handed yet act tough to dodge questions? Poverty isn’t a sin, but we all climb life’s ladder at different paces."
His colleague Muramira Regis also joined the fray, hinting at investigative reporting to expose KNC’s alleged faults in damaging Rwandan football. "Tell him I’m not afraid; he can run ‘operations,’ and I’ll do the same," Regis remarked.
"I’ve worked in journalism for 15 years and never asked KNC for help. I support my family on my own. If I have issues, I address them like everyone else would—even through platforms like RMC."
Gasogi United’s demise stemmed from KNC’s frustrations with officiating, calling Rwandan football plagued with "filth." He vowed to cease investments in the sport entirely.
The fallout required Gasogi United players to continue training, despite Rwanda’s Football Federation (FERWAFA) insisting the team couldn’t withdraw from the league without reassessment.
KNC regularly speaks out on reforming Rwandan football.