Kepler College Family Mourns The Loss of Innocent Nshimiye

The Kepler College community was moved by the tragic passing of Innocent Nshimiye, a beloved student, friend, and role model. Innocent, born on July 27, 2003, lost his life in a fatal car accident on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. His untimely death has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Innocent joined Kepler College in 2023, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a concentration in Logistics and Operations through the Kepler-Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) program. He was on track to graduate in 2026 and had demonstrated a clear path toward a bright future.

Born in Zone 7, Nyamishaba, within the Kiziba Refugee Camp in Karongi District, Western Rwanda, Innocent was the eldest of seven siblings. He was the first in his family to complete Senior Six and attend university.

From a young age, Innocent was known for his intelligence, humility, and calm demeanor. Always seen with a smile, he was a quiet but determined student who worked hard to improve not only his life but also that of his family. His brilliance was evident when he scored an impressive 73/73 in his 2022 national exams, cementing his status as one of the brightest young minds from the Kiziba refugee camp.

Innocent’s selfless nature extended beyond his own aspirations. According to his childhood friend, Olivier Mupenzi, Innocent was someone who “always had a smile on his face” and who never held grudges. “He was like my younger brother,” Olivier said. “He always kept things simple even when situations were challenging,” Olivier recalls.

Innocent’s dream of lifting his family out of the refugee camp and creating a better future for them was well on its way to becoming a reality. His mother, Nyirakaragire Nyirabwiza, spoke of the many contributions her son made to the family.

“I can’t fully express all the ways he helped us because what he did was immeasurable,” she said. As the eldest son, he not only advised his siblings but also took care of them. Even with the little he earned, Innocent would send money to support his siblings while they were at school. He wanted to reunite with his younger brother, Heritier Mukunzi, who had just finished high school, and build a life for their family in Kigali.

Nyirakaragire remembers how Innocent’s words of encouragement kept her going during difficult times. “Whenever I felt weak, he would say to me, ‘Mom, stay strong; the best is yet to come.’ He often spoke about moving us out of the camp so we wouldn’t have to live like this. He would often say, ‘Look at how things are here. It’s my wish that you don’t continue living in this place.’”

His family’s hopes were high, as Innocent had already begun processing their resettlement.

“Even when I spoke to him after finishing some chores, feeling exhausted, he would say, ‘Why do you sound so old? I don’t want you to age yet—not before I’ve achieved what I’ve planned for you.’ All of these were dreams he carried within him, and I was certain he would achieve something great,” she shared.

Innocent’s classmates and teachers remember him as someone who brought peace and positivity to every interaction. He was not only a promising student but also a true friend, always willing to listen and help others.  

The Student Guild Committee, of which Innocent was a contributing member, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Amos Akandwanaho Seromba, Vice-President of the Student Guild, who was one of the first to arrive at the accident scene, reflected on Innocent’s character.

“He was very active in school activities and was always respectful. I remember, when I was looking for class representatives for an event, his instructor immediately called on him, and Innocent, seated quietly in the back, stood up without hesitation. He was stable, composed, and always a good listener.”

Innocent’s Academic Advisor, Jean Damascène Nzamurambaho, spoke of the young man’s drive to create meaningful change through education.

“He was a dedicated student who believed that education could transform not only his life but also his community. He was making excellent progress in his studies and had big dreams of earning higher degrees and even studying abroad.” Jean Damascène also highlighted Innocent’s supportive nature, recalling how he uplifted his peers through encouragement.

At Kepler College, that Wednesday began like any other typical day, until the devastating news broke. Jean Pierre Mutambarungu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research Affairs, expressed the grief felt across the institution.

“We mourn the loss of our own,” said Jean Pierre. “Innocent touched the hearts of many with his kindness and commitment. His memory will remain a source of inspiration.“

As the Kepler College family mourns the loss of such a bright and promising student, Innocent’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him. Although his life was cut short, the impact he made will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire Kepler College family.