By Ebi Kesiena
On Wednesday, Kicukiro Primary Court handed Miss Rwanda 2022, Divine Nshuti Muheto, a three-month suspended sentence and a fine of Rwf190,000 for drunk driving.
The court ruled that her sentence would be deferred for one year, meaning that she will serve jail time only if she commits another offense during this period.
The court found Muheto guilty of drunk driving and driving without a license but acquitted her of fleeing the scene after causing an accident. The judge ordered her immediate release following the ruling.
During the trial, Muheto admitted to both driving under the influence and lacking a valid license, while evidence presented in court did not support the charge of leaving the scene.
Prosecutors initially sought a one-year and eight-month jail sentence for Muheto. She was accused of driving under the influence, crashing into public infrastructure, and allegedly leaving the scene after an accident on October 24.
According to the prosecutor, Muheto was driving from a bar in Kicukiro District, Kigali, to her residence in Kimironko when she hit an electricity pole and a palm tree. Police records show that her blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at the time.
In court, Muheto’s defense acknowledged her actions and her lack of a driving license but contested the charge of fleeing the scene. Her legal team urged the court to impose a fine rather than a jail sentence, highlighting her commitment to national advocacy, especially her initiatives to combat stunting in Rwanda. They also emphasized her remorse for the incident, her role as a student at the African Leadership University, and the importance of allowing her to continue her studies.
With the suspended sentence, Muheto is expected to remain law-abiding over the next year. The court’s decision reflects a balance between accountability and consideration of her status as a public figure and student.
