Ntwali John Williams, the editor of The Chronicles news site, died on Tuesday night when a motorbike taxi he had boarded was hit by a car in the Kimihurura region, his brother Emmanuel Masabo was told by the police.
Mr Masabo stated that he was contacted by police on Thursday afternoon to identify a body found in a mortuary.
“When I arrived, they took me to the mortuary. I saw that it was him and I confirmed to them,” Mr Masabo told the BBC.
He went on to say: “They did not provide with me more details… maybe they will later. I also had no energy to ask for more.”
In a tweet, the Chronicles news site reported the death of the 43-year-old journalist who had been the editor of the journal since 2021. Ntwali criticised the government and the ruling party on his YouTube channel, Pax TV-Ireme news, in stories about injustice and social issues affecting Rwandans. Government supporters branded him an extremist and continuously insulted him on social media.
“We are leaning towards the closure of YouTube channels, not by shutting down YouTube or the internet but by imprisoning those who work on YouTube,” Ntwali had told AFP in a 2021 interview.
“YouTubers, who discuss beauty, sports or shopping have little to worry about, but those who focus on politics and current affairs are in an increasingly precarious position,” he added.
His demise has shocked journalists and friends alike. Ntwali leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
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