‘Viongozi tumeanguka mtihani!’ Uhuru now bans political rallies over COVID-19

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday acknowledged the part played by the political class in the spread of COVID-19, hence instituting a temporary ban on all rallies for a period of 60 days.

President Kenyatta, addressing the nation at State House in Nairobi, however gave leeway for gatherings to be held only in town halls but with only one-third capacity attendance.

The Head of State also ordered the Interior ministry to form a special police unit to enforce the laid down measures aimed at combating the spread of the coronavirus.

“All political gatherings and rallies are suspended for a period of 60 days and this to take effect immediately and anyone wishing to hold such meetings should do so in town halls, and in doing so, must observe all COVID-19 protocols including limiting the attendees to one-third sitting capacity of the hall and the wearing  of face masks,” he said.

“I direct the Ministry of Interior to constitute a Special Reinforcement Unit made up of the National Police Service, National Government Administration officers, supplemented by County Government Inspectorate Units to jointly enforce all COVID-19 protocols.”

President Kenyatta hence urged politicians to adhere to the rules, further warning that those found flouting them will face the full wrath of the law.

The Commander-In Chief tasked the fourth estate to take up their role in exposing political leaders who go against the protocols.

“Sisi kama viongozi tumeanguka mtihani, kwa sababu ata sisi vile tumekuwa tukijiendesha ni kama hakuna ugonjwa; mikutano bila barakoa, kuleta watu pamoja bila social distancing, na mambo hayo yametuumiza,” he stated.

“Na ndipo leo nawaamboa pia viongozi tuongoze kwa mstari wa mbele. Tusiwe watu ambao tunaongea alafu tunatenda mengine kwa sababu wananchi wanatuangalia. Ni jukumu letu kutenda yale ambayo tunaambia wananchi wafuate, na tutachukua hatua kwa yeyote ambaye hatafuata yale ambayo tumekubaliana hapa; awe ni nani ama nani.”

President Kenyatta added: “Na nyinyi wenzetu waandishi wa habari, yangu ni kuwaomba, tusaidieni kuelimisha watu wetu, tusaidieni kutambua yule kiongozi amekataa kufuata maagizo; expose us, call us out, even we as leaders when we fail in practicing that which we preach.”