The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Thursday evening, February 27, warned citizens against making racist remarks towards the Chinese Nationals amidst the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) scare.
In a statement issued on their social media platforms, the embassy called upon Kenyans to be more rational when expressing sentiments about the Chinese Nationals.
"We call upon a rational and scientific approach towards Chinese communities, firmly object any irresponsible and even racist remarks as seen from one of the MPs today," read a statement posted on the embassy's Twitter page.
Further, the embassy gave more information about a social media post that was circulating online of Chinese nationals that had been spotted in Athi River wearing a mask.
"After verification with the Chinese communities, we wish to inform the public that there is only one female Chinese national who stays in that estate and arrived in Kenya yesterday.
"She followed the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health and the Embassy and quarantined herself in her apartment upon arrival. The other Chinese national seen wearing a mask walking around her colleague who had gone to deliver daily necessities to her," read an excerpt of the statement.
Additionally, the embassy stated that the colleague wore a mask as a prevention measure.
"As the rumor went viral, the Ministry of Health sent officials to examine the lady in quarantine and established that she is in good condition," the statement read.
The embassy stated that it will require all Chinese nationals entering Kenya to follow the 14-day quarantine instructions as given by the embassy.
On Thursday, February 27, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo landed herself in trouble during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs.
The committee chaired by Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito questioned Omamo on the continued stay of the 100 Kenyan students marooned in Wuhan, China and why they had not been flown back to the country despite the continued spread of the deadly COVID19 Coronavirus.
“I don’t have the capacity and knowledge to go into the intricacies of the disease,” remarked Omamo.
Her statement did not sit well with the committee members, which triggered Belgut MP Nelson Koech heavily criticise the CS.
“I have sat here listening painfully to the CS of Foreign Affairs giving underwhelming and sickening answers to this committee,” remarked Koech as the CS apologised to him.
I don’t know what language to use to reveal how the government is committed to tackling this [coronavirus] issue. Let us not lose hope, let us handle this issue [head-on],” Omamo stated.
