President Kenyatta warns severe action for those who fail to self-quarantine

President Kenyatta warns severe action for those who fail to self-quarantine

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that severe action will be taken against any individual who defies measures introduced by the government to restrain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

In a press briefing at State House on Monday, Kenyatta castigated those who intentionally refuse to self quarantine despite having returned to the country from coronavirus prone areas.

“I cannot but continue to emphasize the need for each and everyone of us to follow the protocols that have been laid down by the ministry of Health, most importantly with regard to the danger posed to our population by people who fragrantly refuse to adhere to the laid down protocols.

“The government will take the severest action against any individual who knowingly breaches these laid down conventions and procedures and in turn put the rest of the population at risk,” said Kenyatta.

He added: “Let us follow the guidelines as has been given by the ministry of health let us be our brother and sister’s keeper. And I’m sure if we do this we shall overcome this particular pandemic.”

The Head of State’s remarks come in the wake of revelations that Kilifi County Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi has been placed on forced quarantine after he declined to self isolate despite returning to the country from a country affected by the virus.

On Sunday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe indicated that the deputy governor will be arraigned after the 14-day quarantine period.

The government had earlier ordered that any person entering the country from a destination with confirmed cases of coronavirus should proceed on self quarantine.

It would however emerge that Saburi ignored the precautionary measure and went ahead to attend several weddings and funerals.

The deputy governor is also understood to have mingled with county staff in complete disregard of the government directive aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the safety guidelines announced by the government include a suspension of all social gatherings including weddings and funerals as well as mosque and church services.

All bars and nightclubs will also remain closed until further notice to contain the spread of the virus while restaurants are required to only provide takeaway services.

At the same time international flights will remain suspended as the government scales up measures to combat COVID-19.

 

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coronavirus Uhuru kenyatta Quarantine

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