The development came as Ingabire was scheduled to appear alongside other defendants, including former members of the banned Dalfa-Umurinzi party and Umubavu TV journalist Nsengimana Théoneste.
The presiding judge noted that Ingabire had submitted a written request to postpone the trial for three reasons:
Legal representation
Ingabire requested to be represented by a Kenyan lawyer, Emily Kwamboka Osiemo, in addition to her current counsel, Gatera Gashabana, who represents nine other co-defendants in the same case. She argued that her Kenyan lawyer should be allowed to represent her, a request requiring approval from the Rwanda Bar Association.
The question of Emily Kwamboka's representation has frequently arisen during Ingabire's previous hearings, including her provisional detention case.
The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Lawyer Nkundabarashi Moise, has noted that under international legal practice, there is a principle of reciprocity. To be allowed to practice in another country, that country must similarly allow lawyers from your country to practice there. Currently, this reciprocity is not in place between Rwanda and Kenya.
Supreme Court petition
The defendant submitted that she had filed a case in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the High Court's order authorising a full investigation against her, which she argued was inconsistent with the constitution.
Preparation time
She claimed she had insufficient time to prepare her defence after receiving the prosecution's case file on August 20, 2025.
When asked by the presiding judge about her choice of legal representation, Ingabire immediately recused the entire bench, stating that the court had already taken sides by ordering the investigation and that she could not expect impartial justice.
Under Rwandan law, recusal must be submitted in writing before judgment is delivered. The request must be filed within one day following the hearing. If the court accepts the recusal, the judge is replaced, and the trial is rescheduled. If rejected, the trial continues.
The bench suspended proceedings following the recusal. A decision on the acceptance of the recusal will determine when the trial resumes.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/victoire-ingabire-seeks-recusal-of-judges-in-main-trial
