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Government Finally Clears The Air on Possible Lock down

by Manyasi Peris
written by Manyasi Peris

The Government has finally cleared the air on possible lock down of the country as a measure to contain coronavirus pandemic.

Kenyans have been speculating that the country is planning for a lock down, with some Kenyans speculating that the possible lock down could start this week.

However, while appearing in a video interview at K24 TV in a show dubbed punchline on Sunday night, government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna said Kenya has not yet reached to point of locking down.

Oguna said that the country is not yet ready to declare a lockdown since the cases have only been reported in seven counties, with most of them concentrated in one county.

“The first factor would be the eruption of infections sustained in many counties and the health systems are overwhelmed. Right now we are talking about 7 counties,’ he said.

Oguna was clear that locking down the nation is not a one man decision, citing that all government agencies have to put their heads together before coming up with such a decision.

Instead, he said that they were urging people to obey the directives issued by the government to ensure that the number of confirmed cases remain the way they are.

“We don’t have to lockdown everything. It is not a one man decision, it is a decision to be made by a committee. All these agencies need to put their heads together. There are several options but we are urging people to obey the directives issued to ensure numbers remain where they are,” Oguna said.

Oguna said the coronavirus situation is not dire enough to be categorised as a national disaster.

Further, Oguna said that even if a lockdown is ordered, it may not be a total lockdown of all the 47 counties.

So far, Kenya has had a total of 142 confirmed coronavirus cases, with four recoveries and four deaths.

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CS Macharia Breathes Fire as Kenya’s COVID-19 Cases Soar to 142

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has send a chilling message to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators who will not adhere to the measures that have been set by the government to stop the spread of coronavirus.

On Sunday evening, Health Ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Mercy Mwangangi confirmed 16 more coronavirus cases in Kenya, bringing total number of cases to 142.

Out the cases new cases, 15 are Kenyan citizens and a Nigerian national.

“out of this number 11 have a history of travel while 5 are locally transmitted, ” Dr Mwangangi said.

However, CS Macharia who spoke at a press conference held at Afya House says some matatu operators have been defying government’s directive of carrying less passengers.

He said that defiant matatu operators have been carrying passengers in excess, thus defying the social distance rule.

As from Monday April 6, matatus found defying this rules will have to face the music.

According to CS Macharia, those found violating the regulations will have their operating licences revoked.

The tough talking CS also noted that the people in charge of the respective vehicles will be locked up by the police, and have their vehicles impounded.

Matatu operators are also supposed to have their own sanitizers, and ensure that passengers boarding their vehicles have face masks.

At the moment, all traveling up-country remains banned, with those planning to evacuate their relatives from other countries being required to write to the transport ministry 72 hours prior to planned traveling day.

“We have extended the ban on international flights for 30 more days with effect from April 6. Evacuation and cargo flights are exempted from this ban. However, evacuation flights must give advance 72-hour notice,” CS Macharia said.

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Moses Kuria Exposes The Rot in Jubilee Party, Vows to Fight on

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has once again exposed the rot in President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee party, this time round hitting hard at the party’s headquarters.

The controversial lawmaker has vowed to fight for members of Jubilee Party who are being intimidated and blackmailed.

Kuria through his social media account claimed that some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Jubilee are being intimidated and blackmailed by the party.

Though Kuria did not give details on the nature of the blackmail, he said the members of the Party are ready to take the Party back.

The MP urged the Jubilee MCAs not to live in fear saying they will no longer be intimidated as long as he is still alive.

“To all Jubilee MCAs countrywide. The Party HQs will no longer intimidate or blackmail you. Not as long as I live. Enough is Enough. No longer Owner-Occupier mentality in Jubilee. The tenants want their party back. Kwani iko nini?,” said Kuria.

Kuria had earlier on Saturday took a swipe at Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and other party officials for carrying out party affairs yet they are not elected officials.

The MP said Tuju or any other member of the party who is not elected does not have any business appointing or dismissing Majority Leaders.

Kuria claimed that Tuju and his team are in office illegally saying, “the Jubilee Party had not sought from the Registrar of Political Parties an extension of the term of the interim officials.”

“For far too long, the Jubilee Secretariat has been carrying out party affairs with reckless abandon. One would be forgiven for thinking the unelected officials at the Secretariat do own the party. They exhibit an owner-occupier mentality towards Jubilee Party.”

“Even if they are the owners of the Jubilee House and we, the elected leaders are the tenants, even the tenants would have a right to purchase part of the home through a Tenant Purchase Scheme. Enough is Enough. The tenants want their party back!,” he added.

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Uproar as Jubilee Kicks Out Lawmaker Spearheading Waiguru’s Impeachment

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

There is an uproar among Members of County Assembly in Kirinyaga after the assembly’s Majority leader James Kamau Murango received a letter from Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju, ousting him from his post.

It is said that Mr Murango received the ouster letter after he presented complaints about governor Anne Waiguru to Jubilee Headquarters in Pangani, Nairobi.

Kirinyaga MCAs who had on Thursday tabled Waiguru’s outer motion are now up in arms, expressing their disappointment in Jubilee.

In his dismissal letter, Tuju also notes that after complaints, the party found that apart from two issues of disbursement of funds for bursaries and women projects the rest of the issues raised by the MCA were personal.

Murango is also accused of being part of a cohort of mainly independent MCAs who addressed the mass media on notice of motion to impeach Waiguru.

‘It is no longer tenable for you to lead Government business in the county assembly, we find this behaviour of refusing to listen to the party headquarters to be gross misconduct as articulated in artcle 13 of the party constitution’ the letter said

Speaking on Thursday, Wamumu ward MCA John Bapstita Kanga and Tebere ward MCA Gudson Muchina said the Jubilee party has no power to dictate who is supposed to be majority leader in Kirinyaga.

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Murkomen Tables More Proposals to Combat COVID-19

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen has made more proposals in the senate to help in combating coronavirus pandemic.

The Elgeyo Marakwet senator has proposed that Kenya should hire more health workers who should join the fight against COVID-19.

The vocal lawmaker has also proposed that the country puts measure in place to ensure that all the medical students in their final year are graduated to join their colleagues in combating the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have proposed that we hire more health workers. We should also put measure in place to ensure that we graduate all the medical students in their final year and allow them to join their colleagues in combating this monster called COVID19,” posted Murkomen.

Murkomen has been on the forefront making bold moves in an effort to help contain the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Murkomen challenged the government to come up with a plan to cushion the poor amid hard economic times caused by coronavirus pandemic.

He moved a motion demanding the government to establish a cash transfer programme to cushion over 10 million families living in informal settlements.

Murkomen said there was a need for the government to cater to the basic needs of families including the provision of food and water.

“A broad-based stimulus package is needed to cushion the poor of the poor from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. If we do not guarantee food to Kenyans living in Mathare or Kibera slums, they will walk to Muthaiga to get food for themselves,” he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed 29 more cases in the country, bringing the total to 110.

CS Kagwe also confirmed two more fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to three.

He however, confirmed one more recovery, the Kilifi County Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi, that brought the total number of recoveries to four.

A raft of tough measures have been put in place to stop the spread of the virus.

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Forget The Prophet Owuor Healing Press Conference, Moses Kuria Dismisses Kenya’s COVID-19 Recoveries

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has dismissed claims by the government that two people identified as Brenda and Brian had been healed from COVID-19.

On Wednesday, April 1, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a televised meeting with two recovered coronavirus patients.

The president who was at State House engaged with the recovered patients, Brenda and Brian who were at Afya House.

The President identified the two patients as Brenda Cherotich who was the first patient to test positive for the virus in the country and Brian Orina who got infected by Brenda.

“Brenda we have been referring to you as patient 1, it was necessary to keep your details confidential but you are a special woman and a special young Kenyan because immediately you felt something was wrong, realizing what was happening in the world and without being coerced or pushed by your parents you took it upon yourself to go to Kenyatta Hospital and to tell them you were not well. We are very proud of you Brenda,” the President stated

Confident Brenda and Brian narrated how they discovered they had the virus and their journey to recovery.

However, Moses Kuria argues that the head of state was misled on this.

Mr Kuria has termed the President’s meeting with Brenda and Brian as the Prophet Owuor healing Press Conference for the Brenda & Brian Initiative, arguing that the government performed badly on COVID-19.

He says that Kenyans should not be fooled, but continue staying safe.

The controversial lawmaker argues that coronavirus is a very lethal killer. He says 100,000 Americans will die in the next two weeks as confirmed by President Trump.

He further argues that someone misled President Kenyatta, arguing that the head of state is lonely.

According to Moses Kuria, President Kenyatta is missing his deputy, Dr William Ruto.

“From a communications point of view, the Government of Kenya performed badly on COVID-19 yesterday. Forget the Prophet Owuor healing Press Conference for the Brenda & Brian Initiative. Do not be fooled. Continue keeping safe. Corona Virus is a very lethal killer. 100,000 Americans will die in the next 2 weeks as confirmed by President Trump. I think someone misled my President yesterday. And I think my President is lonely. And I think my President misses his Deputy,” he posted.

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IEBC Postpones All Elections

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Wafula Chebukati-led Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has postponed all the upcoming by-elections.

This follows the coronavirus pandemic that has continued to affect the economy of the country.

In a press release issued on Wednesday evening, the electoral agency noted that the pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges towards delivering of its mandate.

It further noted that its day to day operations have been greatly affected.

The commission was set to conduct by-elections in Dabaso ward (Kilifi County), Kahawa Wendani Ward (Kiambu County), Kisumu North ward (Kisumu County), Wundanyi/Mbale ward (Taita Taveta County) and Msambweni Constituency for a parliamentary seat that was left vacant following the demise of MP Suleiman Dori.

The elections have also been postponed to avoid public gatherings that would be witnessed during campaigns and nominations.

The government has hence banned public gatherings as a measure of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

A later date will be announced by the commission for each of the by-elections that were to be held.

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Senator Ledama Wants Parliament to Surrender Its International Trips Budget to Combat COVID-19

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Narok County Senator Ledama Ole Kina has asked Parliament to surrender all its international and local trips budget to help in combating coronavirus pandemic.

Taking to his official twitter account on Wednesday morning, the ODM lawmaker said the Ksh 200 million donated by the senate on Tuesday is no enough.

He suggested that should the money be surrendered by the parliament, it should be divided amongst the 47 counties to modernize open air markets and isolation centers.

“Parliament should surrender all its budget for international/local trips to combat #COVID19KE Ksh 200M donates by senate is nothing!The money should be divided amongst 47 counties to modernize open air markets/isolation centers! No to food ratios it won’t help!” he tweeted.

The vocal lawmaker further asked the executive and the judiciary to also surrender all of their budgets for international and local trips, to be used for the same purpose.

He says that people should be independent, rather than just depending on hand outs, since Kenya is an industrious nation.

“The executive/judiciary should also surrender all its budgets for international and local trips! What we want is our people to be independent not Dependent on hand outs! We are an industrious nation not beggars! I say no to food ratios make their working environment #COVID19 free,” he added.

The Senate on Tuesday afternoon surrendered Sh200 million from its budget to aid in the fight against the now most dreaded coronavirus disease.

The announcement was made by Speaker Kenneth Lusaka when the lawmakers reconvened after a two-week break.

The speaker said the house has yielded the cash from the Senate budget allocation in the current financial year, to aid in the efforts of the government to fight the disease.

He said the decision was made by a Senate Business Committee during its sitting on Monday to support the government’s efforts to combat the virus.

Kenya on Tuesday reported nine new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of people with the virus to 59.

Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi said the nine were from 234 samples tested in the last 24 hours.

She said 1,160 people who have come into contact with the positive cases are being monitored.

Mwangangi also said the government will use boarding schools as isolation for testing and treating coronavirus patients should the situation get worse.

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Murkomen Makes Bold Move to Cushion Poor Kenyans From Economic Effects of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged the government to come up with a plan to cushion the poor amid hard economic times caused by coronavirus pandemic.

The senator Majority leader on Tuesday afternoon moved a motion demanding the government to establish a cash transfer programme to cushion over 10 million families living in informal settlements.

Murkomen said there was a need for the government to cater to the basic needs of families including the provision of food and water.

“A broad-based stimulus package is needed to cushion the poor of the poor from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. If we do not guarantee food to Kenyans living in Mathare or Kibera slums, they will walk to Muthaiga to get food for themselves,” he said.

In his motion, Murkomen called for the enactment of favourable measures to ensure the continuous supply of food and other essential commodities at affordable prices.

He also called for keen consideration of people with mental health problems in the execution of the 7 pm to 5 am curfew and hiring of more doctors and nurses to deal with the virus.

He further called for an all-inclusive process of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that brings to the table economic experts, political leaders from across political divides, business and religious leaders as well as the media.

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Waiguru Breaks Silence on Her Impeachment

by Manyasi Peris
written by Manyasi Peris

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has finally broken silence on her planned impeachment by a section of Kirinyaga MCAs.

The County Chief who spoke on Tuesday at her offices in Kutus said impeachment plans against her won’t succeed.

She said the MCAs’ priorities currently are misplaced, given the country is undergoing the COVID-19 crisis that requires the ward reps’ input more than where they have placed their energies on.

On Monday, a formal impeachment suggestion against Waiguru prepared by Mutira MCA, Kinyua Wangui, was received by County Assembly Speaker, Anthony Waweru Gathumbi. The removal plan will be formally filed on Wednesday, April 1.

However, Waiguru has noted that MCAs are fighting her over non-issues, instead of joining hands with her to serve Kirinyaga constituents.

The county boss said one of the biggest problems now facing Kirinyaga residents is the COVID-19 outbreak, which should be addressed urgently.

Waiguru is said to enjoy support from six MCAs, with 27 reported to be against her leadership.

The anti-governor MCAs say they will, on Wednesday, April 1, introduce a motion of no confidence against Waiguru.

They are accusing her of misappropriating public funds, flouting procurement procedures and undermining the County Assembly powers, among other issues.

Waiguru is also accused of solely making decisions likely to impact on the county government’s finances without involving the MCAs, contrary to Section 30 of the County Government Act 2012.

Waiguru is also accused of irregularly awarding County Government tenders to companies and persons she has a cordial relationship with.

One of the tenders that has resulted in the governor facing wrath from the MCAs is that of the upgrading of Kagumo Market. The tender was prepared on December 20, 2018.

The other tender that the MCAs claim was unprocedurally awarded was that of the acquisition of a Ksh15 million governor’s official car.

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ODM Under Fire After Making a Controversial Tweet on Curfew

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has found itself in trouble with a section of netizens after making a controversial tweet on the ongoing countrywide dusk to dawn curfew.

The Ornge party on Tuesday took to twitter to express its support for the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

ODM in its post went ahead to condemn police brutality meted on the citizens in the name of enforcing government orders.

The party went ahead to condemn the shooting of a Standard 8 pupil, Yasin Hussein Moyo, who was standing on the balcony of their home in Kiamaiko, Nairobi, at the time the police were trying to enforce the curfew.

ODM said that the shooting to death of a KCPE candidate Yasin Moyo at their balcony in Kimaiko in Mathare must be condemned by all.

“We support govt’s efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus, we also condemn police brutality m on the citizens in the name of enforcing govt orders. Last evening’s shooting to death of a KCPE candidate Yasin Moyo at their balcony in Kimaiko in Mathare must be condemned by all,” tweeted ODM.

However, this did not go well with a section of Kenyans on Twitter. While reacting on the post, KOT told off the Orange party, arguing that police brutality did not begin yesterday.

They accused the party of remaining silent when police have been using excessive force on Kenyans for a long time now.

Some accused the party of using millions to print campaign T-Shirts, but failing to donate face masks and sanitizers at the time of need.

Here are some of the reactions.

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IGAD Countries Agree to Forging Joint Approach to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have agreed to forge a joint approach to curb the spread of Coronavirus disease.

The Heads of States of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan today held a teleconference where they discussed the challenges the region is facing in managing the global pandemic.

The Heads of State tasked the IGAD Secretariat to urgently formulate a regional response to COVID-19 that adopts a whole-of-government approach.

The leaders also agreed to intensify information sharing including tracking of infected persons.

Further, the Heads of State agreed to direct their relevant agencies to enhance cooperation in border control and management, with a view of ensuring safety along common borders and guarantee movement of cargo.

The leaders appealed to the international community to provide support for vulnerable groups particularly refugees within IGAD countries and to support national efforts to ensure that humanitarian corridors remain open.

In addition, the Heads of State agreed to pursue joint mobilisation of financial resources from international institutions and partners.

They said the region needs resources to help in combating the virus as well as in mitigating the social-economic impact of the disease.

The leaders urged the private sector to contribute more to the fight against the infectious disease.

To mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, the Heads of State tasked regional ministers of finance to carry out a comprehensive assessment with a view of establishing an IGAD emergency fund.

Further, the Heads of State tasked the IGAD secretariate to formulate appropriate response programmes that will be discussed by the leaders.

The leaders said the assessment will form the basis for joint engagement with international partners such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank Group, and the G20 for economic stimulus packages.

While briefing his counterparts on the measures Kenya is taking to curtail the spread of the virus, President Kenyatta stated the country’s willingness to assist regional nations that may require its support saying, it is imperative for IGAD countries to forge a common front against the global pandemic.

“My administration will do whatever is within its power and capacity to extend any support that our brothers and sisters in our neighboring countries might require,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also briefed the leaders on the outcomes of a teleconference of the Bureau of the African Union Heads of State and Government held on 26th March.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a continental anti-Covid-19 Africa Fund to which members of the Bureau agreed to immediately contribute US $12.5 million as seed funding.

The bureau also agreed to contribute a further US $4.5 million towards boosting the capacity of the African Union Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

On its part, Kenya pledged to contribute US$ 2 million and US$ 1 million to the Fund and the Africa CDC respectively.

President Kenyatta reminded IGAD member states to continue the fight against desert locust invasion even as they work to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.

He said the desert locust invasion risks plunging the region into a food crisis at a time when the world’s attention is focused on dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chairperson of IGAD who is also the Prime Minister of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok, President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), President Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Vice President Dr. Riek Machar  (South Sudan) and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia participated in the teleconference.

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Mohammed Ali Requests For House Special Sitting to Cushion Kenyans From Tough Economic Times

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali (Moha Jicho Pevu) has requested for a special sitting of the National Assembly.

According to a letter seen by Dailytrends.co.ke , Moha Jicho Pevu wants parliament to consider ways of cushioning Kenyans from effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter has been addressed to National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale and copied to the Leader of Minority Hon John Mbadi.

The Nyali lawmaker in his letter notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold suffering all over the world, even among the developed nations.

He notes that this is the time the National Assembly should play its constitutional mandate and put fiscal measures through legislative interventions.

The fiscal measures, according to the journalist-turned politician, should assist vulnerable Kenyans who have been forced out of employment, are unemployed are under-privileged and require government assistance for survival.

Have a look at the letter below.

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Kenya now has a total of 42 confirmed cases as confirmed by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Sunday evening.

“Kenya has four new confirmed cases of coronavirus, one Kenyan and three foreigners. Kenya now has 42 confirmed cases,” said CS Kagwe.

Nairobi County continues to lead with 31 cases of those who have so far tested positive, followed by Kilifi with six, Mombasa with three, while Kajiado and Kwale with one each. Out of the 42 positive cases, 24 are male while 18 are female.

The CS reported that the Government was doing all it could to ensure safety of the Health workers in their line of duty adding that Kenya was lucky since none of the staff has been infected.

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50 MPs to be Tested For COVID-19 After Coming Into Contact With Colleague Who Tested Positive

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

At least 50 MPs are set to be tested for coronavirus and subjected to mandatory quarantine after coming into contact with their colleague who tested positive for COVID-19.

Rabai MP Kamoti Mwamkale recently tested positive for the virus and is said to have interacted with a section of the lawmakers..

Among the lawmakers to be tested are members of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) and the Delegated Legislation Committee, both of which Mwamkale sits on. 38 lawmakers sit on the two committees.

Parliamentary staff attached to the committees will also be required to undergo the test.

Mwamkale tested positive for Covid-19 after reportedly coming into contact with infected Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi at the funeral of the late Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori on Monday, March 9

The National Assembly submitted to the Ministry of Health (MoH) the list of lawmakers and staff it wants to be traced and tested, with records showing that Mwamkale was in Parliament as recently as March 17.

Other than the committee members, the National Assembly is also seeking to trace other lawmakers who might have come into contact with Mwamkale when he was in the house.

Mwamkale is reportedly currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

The Health Ministry had previously announced that it was tracking down 122 individuals believed to have come into contact with Saburi after his return from Germany on March 6.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe further confirmed that Saburi will face charges after his recovery because he failed to self-isolate after arriving back in the country.

News of Saburi’s refusal to self-isolate had stoked anger and disappointment among many Kilifi residents and county officials who feared they may have been infected.

Saburi had interacted with several people as he attended a number of events after returning to the country.

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VIDEO: MP Forced to Issue Lengthy Clarification After His Coronavirus Outburst

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just hours after issuing a twitter thread that aimed at exposing government’s failure in giving Kenyans factual information on coronavirus status in the country, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie found himself in trouble.

24 hours after his outburst, the tanga tanga lawmaker was summoned to Kabete DCI offices, where he was forced to issue a lengthy clarification on his social media post.

Kiarie had on Saturday night made a statement where he insinuated that over 7,000 people were under quarantine, a figure that was interpreted to mean the patients were bundled up in few quarantine centers.

In his clarification, however, he pointed out that the 7,000 figure represented the number of people who were supposedly on self-quarantine after jetting into the country within a certain time period.

“As a law-abiding citizen, I presented myself to the Dagoretti Division Police Headquarters, to honour summons to appear at the DCIO office.

“I responded to the concerns of the government on my publications regarding the COVID 19 situation in Kenya. Two issues were raised; on the 7,000 figure and the 10,000 projection of infections by May to which I responded,” he explained.

“I allayed any fears that I meant the 7,000 were held in Lenana School. As they noted, in my post, the figure was the number of Kenyans who landed in the country since the onset of this calamity, who should be in quarantine, which in itself is a very conservative estimate,” Kiarie clarified.

In the 10,000 figure, he claimed that his projection was backed up by scientific research largely concerning other first world countries that the virus spread faster injuring their economies. The countries in question are Italy and the United States.

” On the projections of 10,000 infected cases by May, I base the figure on a scientific extrapolation published by esteemed scientific researchers in the publication “PROJECTION OF EARLY SPREAD OF COVID 19 IN AFRICA AS OF MARCH 2020” by Carl A.B. Pearson (LSHTM, SACEMA; mailto:carl.pearson@lshtm.ac.uk) Cari Van Schalkwyk (SACEMA) Anna Foss (LSHTM) Kathleen O’Reilly (LSHTM) SACEMA’s Modelling and Analysis Response Team (SMART) CMMID COVID­19 working group (LSHTM) Juliet Pulliam (SACEMA),” he said.

He also noted that most parts of his earlier post were a wake-up call to all Kenyans to be prepared as the virus spread did not show any sign of slowing down.

“I continue to urge Kenyans to wash their hands, sanitise as much as they can, observe social distancing, self-quarantine and adhere to the government curfew.

“I have raised all the matters I posted extensively as a Member of Parliament through the “appropriate” channels and also on social media as a private citizen,” he added.

His sentiments on Sunday had raised Health CS Mutahi Kagwe’s eyebrows who, in his presser the same day, condemned Kiarie’s utterances stating that the MP was spreading false information.

“It is really wrong and disheartening for those in leadership to continue perpetuating false information that has got nothing to do with the real cases,” lamented Kagwe.

Watch the video below.

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Vocal Tanga Tanga MP in Trouble For Exposing “Government’s Secretes” on Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Dagoretti South MP, John Kiarie is a troubled man after sending a series tweets concerning the status of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the country.

On Sunday evening, Kiarie was summoned by officers from the Director of Criminal Investigation at Kabete Police Station.

The MP was grilled by the DCI over claims he made in the wee hours of March 29. Through his twitter page, he alluded that there are close to 7000 people in quarantine facilities in the country.

These people, he said, had flown in the country within the last 5 days and were currently isolated at Lenana School and Kinyanjui Technical Institute.

“We have 7,000 Kenyans in quarantine who arrived back between Wednesday and Sunday. In Dagoretti South Constituency, we are hosting them at Lenana School and Kinyanjui Tech. How they got there and the chaos therein is a story for another day,” wrote Kiarie on his twitter account.

KJ’s alarming twitter post

KJ, as he is popularly known, further stated that the government is lying to Kenyans about the real situation of the Coronavirus spread in the country. He claimed that the government is incapacitated to handle the mass infections from the disease.

“Kenya Government must forthwith communicate the gravity of the real situation without sugar coating anymore. Let Kenyans know how bad things are about to get. They will be better equipped to make personal decisions and put up with government decrees, measures and restrictions,” he further wrote

“GoK MUST come out and admit that the government CANNOT handle what is coming alone. No drought, Bomb blast, Terror attack, Westgate, or disaster we have known before is anywhere close to what is coming. We need a “Kenyans for Kenyans” to the power of 100 to even barely survive!”

Other than the MP, other people who have been arrested for propagating alarming information on the disease are blogger Robert Alai and Cyprian Nyakundi.

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