Kicukiro Primary Court on Tuesday, May 6 began hearing the case of fashion designer Moses Turahirwa who is facing multiple drug use-related charges. Under strict courtroom rules – no phones, photography, or videos allowed – the presiding judge began the hearing by reading Turahirwa’s profile, which the accused confirmed. The charges were then laid out for drug use, storage, and transportation of illegal substances. Prosecutors alleged that 13 packets of cannabis were seized during Turahirwa’s arrest on April 14. They further claimed he had confessed to importing the drugs from Kenya, thus substantiating the charge of drug transportation. The Moshions fashion house founder who appeared alongside his lawyer, pleaded guilty to drug use but disputed the prosecutor’s claim regarding the quantity. “I had less than two grams of cannabis,” he said, breaking into tears during his defence. “I did not traffic drugs. I brought a small amount from Kenya for personal use.” ALSO READ: Fashion designer Moses Turahirwa arrested again over drug use The prosecution, however, maintained that Turahirwa is not a first-time offender. In December 2024, Nyarugenge Intermediate Court convicted him of drug consumption and document forgery. Citing ongoing investigations and previous infractions, the prosecution requested that Turahirwa be remanded, arguing that remanding him would prevent any interference with the case. ALSO READ: Moshions' Turahirwa pleads not guilty to drug abuse, forgery charges His defence challenged the trafficking charge, arguing that Turahirwa was coerced into signing a confession. His lawyer emphasized the designer’s mental health struggles, noting he had been diagnosed by an American doctor and was undergoing therapy. “He is a public figure who needs medical attention, not incarceration,” the lawyer said, urging the court to grant bail so that Turahirwa could continue treatment. Turahirwa also addressed a controversial Instagram post in which he had criticised President Paul Kagame, suggesting it may have influenced the timing of his arrest. “I apologised to the President,” he said. “I’ve started medical treatment and therapy, and I promise before this court, my family, and God, that I will never use drugs again.” The court is expected to rule on Turahirwa’s bail on May 9.
