A sad story has been shared on social media and in various news outlets about a woman who died while cheating on her husband.
The woman, named Mukeshimana Esther, died on June 15, 2025, in Nyaruguru District, according to several news sources.
How It All Started:
Before June 14, Mukeshimana Esther lived in Nyagatare District with her husband and their children. She told her husband that she had been invited to a wedding in Kigali and needed to travel early to help with preparations. She said the wedding would happen on June 14, but she would leave before that day.
Her husband agreed and gave her permission to travel early. On June 13, Esther left home, passing through Kigali. But instead of going to the wedding, she went south to Nyaruguru District to visit a man she knew.
Reports say she went to the house of a man named Valenci, who lives in Ruheru Sector. Valenci is known to be a pastor and a government employee working in the local land services office.
Other sources say the two knew each other from the past when Valenci used to preach in Nyagatare, where Esther lived.
On June 13, after arriving at Valenci’s house, the two spent the night together in what was believed to be a sexual affair. Her husband still thought she was at a wedding in Kigali.
What Happened Next:
On June 14, Valenci had an unexpected meeting and had to leave the house. He told Esther he would be back soon. Esther stayed behind and began doing household chores, including cooking with a charcoal stove (called “imbabura”).
After lighting the charcoal stove inside the house, she lay down to rest. According to reports from some media outlets and YouTube sources, she never woke up.
When Valenci returned home, he knocked several times, but no one answered. He thought maybe Esther was just sleeping. But when he looked through a window, he saw her lying motionless, and the charcoal stove still burning inside the house.
He quickly called for help. Neighbors and local authorities arrived, but it was too late. Esther, who was 30 years old (born on January 1, 1995, and died on June 14, 2025), had already passed away.
What Authorities Say:
On June 15, Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested Valenci, the pastor and government worker. The arrest was confirmed by Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the RIB spokesperson.
Dr. Murangira said:
“The early investigation found that on June 13, 2025, this pastor, who is also a local government leader, hosted the woman at his house where she later died. Her body was found inside his home.”
According to Radio and TV10 Rwanda, Valenci is being held by RIB for suspected murder. He is being detained at Muganza Police Station while the investigation continues. Esther’s body was taken for medical examination.
What the Law Says:
Valenci is suspected of intentional murder, as described in Article 107 of Rwanda’s Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2018, which covers criminal offenses.
The law says: “Anyone who kills another person on purpose commits a crime. If found guilty, the punishment is life imprisonment.”
