Police in Rwanda have arrested six church leaders including Bishop Innocent Rugagi, one of the famous pastors in the country, for plotting to defy a government order requiring churches to comply with building regulations and noise pollution.

About 700 churches have been closed down for failing meet these requirements.

Bishop Rugagi, who leads the “Abacunguwe church” (Redeemed Gospel Church), was allegedly heard criticising what he called an abrupt decision to stop the churches from operating.

The arrest of these preachers comes after President Paul Kagame publicly criticised what he called a huge number of illegal churches in the country.

Mr Kagame questioned whether these churches, in his words, bring any worthy benefit to the people.

He also said that they cause security risks.