As opposed to the anticipated
lock down restriction by a section of Kenyans, President Kenyatta’s speech emphasized on
self-responsibility in fighting the corona virus stating that a lock down is not
the answer to stop the spread of the virus but rather than self-discipline
among the citizens as the government cannot police all the citizens
The president highlighted stringed
measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus which has seen a sharp
increase over the last 21 days with a big number of cases being reported
specifically in the country’s capital. About 44 counties have reported positive
cases of the Corona virus disease.
The head of state also ordered the
closure of all bars in the country up to a time that will be announced. This comes
as some bars have been reported to having been holding ‘day-time parties’ from
8 am to 8 pm.
He also amended the operating time
of all eateries and restaurants, revising the closing time back to 7 pm from the
previous 8 pm with a restriction on the sale of alcoholic beverages and drinks.
Bars and other social joints that
will be found operating will have their operation licenses permanently
withdrawn according to the directives issued to the inspector general of
police, Hillary Mutyambai. “The IG shall file a weekly return of all bars whose
licenses have been withdrawn to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination
of National Government.” directed the President.
With the political realignment
having taken course in the past few weeks. The new orders and directives seems
to work against politicians who on several occasions have been seen flouting
the guidelines and measures outlined by the ministry of health.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja being one of
the latest politician to be prosecuted for defying the curfew aimed at curbing
the spread of the virus. Sakaja was the chairman of the senate committee on COVID-19 before his unceremonious resignation last week. With the president
instructing the IG not to spare anyone despite their status and political
position.
Politicians have been seen holding
meetings across the country in preparation for the 2022 general elections with
the Tanga Tanga aligned politicians lamenting of double standards in the
enforcement of curfew restrictions on political gatherings.
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