HICGI News Agency – Updated at 1553 EAT on Thursday 02nd July 2026

NAIROBI, Kenya – Rutembesa Innocent, a former journalist who worked with several regional media outlets and is also reported to have served as an information officer with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) armed forces, says he is seeking official refugee status and asylum documentation in Kenya.

Speaking to HICGI News Agency, Rutembesa claimed that Kenyan authorities have retained his mobile phone for more than six months, a situation he says has left him unable to communicate effectively and has heightened concerns about his personal safety.

“I am an undocumented refugee,” Rutembesa told our reporter, adding that he fears for his security.

According to Rutembesa, he previously worked with a number of media organizations, including East African Report, Africa News, VOA (Radio Agasaro Kaburaga), Bwiza, Izuba TV, and EAR TV.

He also stated that he comes from a cross-border family background, with his father originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and his mother from Rwanda.

Rutembesa further said that he was previously arrested in Kakuma, Turkana West, Kenya, before being released. He maintains that he is seeking legal protection and formal recognition as a refugee.

HICGI News Agency has not independently verified all of Rutembesa’s claims, and Kenyan authorities had not publicly commented on the matter at the time of publication.

This version follows standard journalistic practice by clearly attributing the claims to Rutembesa and noting that they have not been independently verified.