Kigali Fashion Week Founder Addresses Money Allegations

After three weeks of silence, Mr. John Bunyeshuli has finally responded to questions that have been circulating in the fashion community about him and his projects, the Kigali Fashion Week (KFW), and the Kigali International Fashion Week. The controversy began when a woman named Gisele Kamanzi accused Mr. Bunyeshuli of failing to repay the money she allegedly loaned to KFW.

Ms. Kamanzi claims that ten years ago, she provided approximately 5,000,000 Rwandan Francs to KFW with the promise of becoming a business partner in the project. "Before I gave the money to KFW, I was promised to become one of the business partners," she stated during a recent Twitter space discussion. She added that both parties were supposed to share profits from KFW event sales.

[PHOTO: Gisele Kamanzi from left during the model casting in KFW 2019, in Kigali City]

After reportedly being refused repayment by KFW, Ms. Kamanzi decided to take her case to social media, seeking public support to recover her funds. This move has sparked varied reactions within the fashion community.

Mrs. Rosa, a fashion industry insider, questioned the timing and approach of Ms. Kamanzi's allegations. "She was working with KFW for 10 years. Why didn't she ask for the money during all those years?" Mrs. Rosa pondered. "Also, going to social media is not professional. Rwanda has institutions that could help resolve this matter. I don't understand why she chose this route and what she hoped to gain from those influencers."

[PHOTO: A poster of the past edition of the Kigali Fashion Week]

ALSO READ: Kigali Fashion Week is Still Running": Interview with the CEO and Founder John Bunyeshuli

The Twitter space was organized by a user under the GODFATHER account, and some other influencers attracted about 400 attendees. However, the discussion quickly derailed, with some speakers delving into Mr. Bunyeshuli's personal life rather than focusing on the financial dispute.

An entertainment journalist based in Kigali commented on the situation: "Some participants were talking about food and cooking, while others were confusing stories about Mr. Bunyeshuli with those of Daddy de Maximo, which are entirely different matters. I don't think fashion designers and models remember Mr. Maximo as they do Mr. Bunyeshuli. Compare the number of fashion shows Maximo did in Rwanda to the number of KFW editions."

[PHOTO: Model on the runway during the Kigali Fashion Week's editon]

Mrs. Rosa suggested that the organizers of the Twitter space aimed to tarnish Mr. Bunyeshuli's reputation. "I was in that Twitter space. If you look closely at what people said about Mr. Bunyeshuli, it was very personal. Surprisingly, people I used to respect in the fashion industry were mixing up stories instead of being honest about what they know about Mr. Bunyeshuli and KFW."

To address these allegations, RCFS's MEDIA interviewed Mr. Bunyeshuli. Here are his responses to five key questions:

• Regarding the recent allegations:

Mr. Bunyeshuli dismissed the claims as "fabricated lies" meant to damage his reputation. He stated, "I know what I'm worth, and I will not defend myself over something that's not true. I'm in Kigali, and if there's any truth to what they said after 10 years of working with me, I suggest they use proper channels and authorities."

• On the current state of Rwanda's fashion industry:

"Rwanda fashion is dead and buried," Mr. Bunyeshuli declared. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the industry's roots and respecting those who contributed to its growth.

•  Advice for young fashion promoters:

Mr. Bunyeshuli urged young people to "open their minds and eyes" to discern who truly supports their development. He cautioned against aligning with those who resort to character assassination.

• Message to KFW supporters:

He revealed that Kigali International Fashion Week continues to run internationally, focusing on developing fashion in other countries. As for Rwanda, he stated, "I put a stop until haters learn that abusing me is not only insulting but also degrading the industry in the country."

PHOTO: Mr. Bunyeshuli in a white, during the model casting in Kigali]

Mr. Bunyeshuli concluded with a philosophical note on life's impermanence and the importance of humility and good deeds. "Let's be humble, love others and ourselves, and do good on earth until that time comes to leave this physical world for the spiritual. That's my principle on earth."

This controversy has undoubtedly stirred the Rwandan fashion community, raising questions about professional conduct, the proper channels for dispute resolution, and the long-term impact on the industry's growth and reputation.

[PHOTO: Model on the runway during the Kigali Fashion Week's editon]

 THE RCFS'S MEDIA