Govt bans movement in and out of Eastleigh, Old Town areas starting tonight

The government has now banned movement in and out of Eastleigh in Nairobi and Old Town in Mombasa after the two areas registered worrying double-figure Covid-19 cases for the second day in a row.

Speaking during a press address at Afya House, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the cessation of movement in and out of the two areas begins at 7pm on Wednesday and will continue for 15 days.

CS Kagwe also directed the immediate closure of markets, restaurants and eateries within the two perceived virus hotspots for the same period as well as cessation of public transport.

“There shall be cessation of movement in and out of Eastleigh area of Nairobi with effect from today May 6, 2020 at 7pm for the next 15 days. There shall be cessation of movement in the area known as Old Town in Mombasa with effect from today May 6, 2020 at 7pm for the next 15 days,” he said.

“There will be closure of any markets, restaurants and eateries within those two areas – Eastleigh and Old Town – with effect from today May 6, 2020 at 7pm for the next 15 days.”

The CS, while stating that residents of the said places are free to move within as they please, further stated that “these measures are not intended to punish anybody in those areas, rather to protect them.”

He also stated that the cost of targeting testing and government quarantine facilities shall now be catered for by the government hence “Kenyans should therefore forthwith not be afraid.”

“I also want to urge institutions to be accountable for what they have received. We have observed that some unscrupulous individuals are selling Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) when delivered to their institutions,” he added.

“I want to warn that such individuals will be arrested and face criminal charges because that is theft at a very bad time.”