Man who fled Old Town after testing positive for Covid-19 found dead, 3 others arrested

One of the five Covid-19 patients who escaped from Old Town, Mombasa County, prompting a manhunt by police has been found dead.

According to Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, the deceased – a man – was found in a hide-out with three others whom he had also escaped with.

Governor Joho, who is overseeing the operation, further stated that the three – one lady and two men – have now been taken to isolation wards while the search goes on for the one remaining escapee.

“Five people tested positive here and then decided to run away. Four have now been found but one was already dead. The other one is being looked for and will be found,” said Joho.

“Contracting coronavirus is not a problem, the problem is running away from treatment and spreading it. There’s really no reason to run away.”

The five took off with their family members – who are also being sought after – to evade treatment after learning of their status.

The incident came just days after Old Town residents chased away medical personnel from the area opposing the ongoing targeted mass testing.