COVID-19: CS Kagwe raises concern over political rallies as Kenya records 724 new cases, 14 deaths

The number of COVID-19 cases in Kenya has risen to 56,601 after 724 more people tested positive from a sample size of 5,085 tested in the last 24 hours. This represents a positivity rate of 14.2%.

At the same time, 14 more people have succumbed to the coronavirus raising the total fatalities to 1,027.

The number of recoveries within the last 24 hours also rose to 37,442 after 248 people were reported to have fully recovered from the disease.

Currently there are 54 patients battling COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 26 of whom are on ventilatory support and 28 on supplementary oxygen. Another 55 are separately on supplementary oxygen, out of whom 45 are in general wards while 10 are in HDUs

Addressing the media from Malindi on Monday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe raised concern over what he termed as laxity among members of public in adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols issued by the Ministry.

CS Kagwe cautioned political leaders against risking the lives of Kenyans by holding huge gatherings where social distancing and other safety measures are not being observed.

“We want to urge the political class to please understand that as much as we have important issues in the country to deal with, we also have a higher issue to deal with and that is the issue of people’s lives. And that is our first and utmost responsibility. So before we start arranging political rallies please think about the impact…” said CS Kagwe.

The 724 new cases are distributed across the counties as follows: Nairobi 362, Nakuru 46, Meru 44, Busia 44, Kiambu 38, Bungoma 33, Machakos 24, Laikipia 23, Mombasa 19, Garissa 17, Marsabit 10, Kisumu 10, Kajiado 8, Kilifi 8, Uasin Gishu 8, Nyeri 6, Kakamega 3, Kwale 3, Makueni 3, Kisii 2, Murang’a 2, Nyandarua 2, Nandi 2, Isiolo 2, Elgeyo Marakwet 1, Kitui 1, Tana River 1, Migori 1, and Vihiga 1.