Uhuru Orders Police Not to Spare ‘Mheshimiwas’ Who Flout Covid-19 Rules

President Kenyatta has directed police to strictly enforce Covid-19 containment rules without favoritism.

Uhuru in his address to the nation on Monday called on law enforcement officers not to spare anyone found flouting the guidelines including elected leaders and influential persons.

“Forthwith, the Inspector General shall ensure that his officers spare no mheshimiwa, no individual, regardless of social status or rank, who is either out after curfew without being an essential worker or who flaunts the health protocols that have been set out,” said Kenyatta.

He further warned police heads that they will be held personally accountable for any breach of the rules within their jurisdiction.

“The national government administration officers and the National Police Service (NPS) will strictly enforce the Ministry of Health (MoH) protocols on public gatherings and particularly funerals,” he added.

At the same time, Uhuru ordered the Health Ministry to recall retired critical healthcare workers to help in the fight against the pandemic.

Further to this, Uhuru directed any government institutions designated as public health facilities by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe to be availed immediately.

“Ministry of Health will develop a protocol to temporarily retain retired ICU staff and anesthetists to support the medical staff assigned to dealing with serious COVID-19 cases in the counties.”

“Any government institutions – including all sporting facilities, stadia, educational institutions, and other facilities – upon designation by the Health CS as a public health facility shall be availed to MoH for isolation and quarantine purposes,” he added.

Uhuru extended the nationwide 9 pm to 4 am curfew for a further 30 days, banned the sale of alcohol in restaurants and ordered all bars and nightclubs to remain closed indefinitely.