Uhuru Speaks on Imposing Nationwide Lockdown to Stem Covid-19

President Kenyatta says a countrywide lockdown is not among the options on the table in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking during a joint interview with Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM stations on Tuesday, Kenyatta termed the idea of putting the country on lockdown as far-fetched, saying this would be the government’s last resort in its bid to contain the spread of Covid-19.

He explained that locking down the country would expose Kenyans to untold suffering due to the challenges related to food provision.

“We do not want to lockdown Kenyans in their houses like in other countries because what will they eat?” Kenyatta posed.

“We understand our people better. We know that a majority of Kenyans depend on daily activities to earn their livelihoods, therefore, we don’t need to lock down the country as long as we can strictly adhere to the measures already in place,” he added.

But Kenyatta warned the government could be forced to impose the restriction if Kenyans disobey the directives issued by the Health Ministry to stem the virus.

“If we don’t follow the directives given by the government we shall have no option than ordering for lockdown. But I know the implications of lockdown and that’s why I don’t want us to follow that route,” he stated.

 “You are the doctor of your life. Please adhere to the protocols set out by the Ministry of Health to protect yourself and your loved ones. Prevention is better than cure,” he added.

On Monday, Uhuru announced the cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa Counties. The four have been marked as coronavirus affected areas with Nairobi area accounting for 82 percent of the total number of Covid-19 infections in the country.