Citizen TV's director of strategy and innovation, Linus Kaikai, tore into politicians accusing them of hiding their face amid a health crisis in the nation.
On Thursday, March 19, Kaikai, a panellist on News Gang, alongside Yvonne Okwara, Joe Ageyo, Francis Gachuri and Jamila Mohamed, argued that the leaders should have stepped up and stood strong after seven Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases were confirmed in Kenya.
According to Kaikai, the outbreak of the disease had silenced the politicians, forcing them into isolation and gave Kenyans a breath of fresh air from the politically intoxicated atmosphere.
"Then there is this rare and equally commendable phenomenon; the unusual silence of our politicians. The quality of air in the atmosphere of the Kenyan political landscape has not been this fresh in a long time. The toxic, divisive rhetoric whether about BBI or 2022, Kieleweke or Tanga Tanga, has taken an unusual break.
"It was however disappointing that both houses failed to offer leadership in such a crucial time. Wasn’t this the moment for the houses, to jointly or separately offer some thoughts on the crisis; even simple things like standing with, suggesting or making demands to the Executive? Instead, our Members of Parliament were in a hurry to grab the nearest mask and head out to the safety of that place and state which ironically every politician on earth hates; isolation," Kaikai proclaimed.
The presenter also lauded Health CS Mutahi Kagwe for steering the nation through a health crisis, praising the CS's communication strategy.
"From the moment President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the first case of the raging virus on the steps of Harambee House last Sunday (March 15), it has been a week of commendable dissemination of information in a transparent and accountable manner by the government. Previous experience in government is coming in handy for new Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe who’s first assignment in his docket has literally been Coronavirus.
"Mutahi Kagwe has sounded and appeared sure and assuring in his briefings, a demeanour expected of governments and those in charge in times of tragedies," Kaikai stated.
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Yvonne Okwara on her end, reiterated the calmness in the country after political rallies were called off while emphasising on the need to be united in the fight against Coronavirus.
"They say death is the true equalizer. But in the world today, and Kenya particularly, Covid-19 is the true equalizer. Never have we been more single-minded with the unity of purpose as we are at this moment," Okwara averred.
The anchor went on to emphasise on the need to upgrade Kenya's health care, arguing that the disease outbreak was an indicator that much still needed to be done.
"And for the first time in Kenya’s history, we are all in this together. Literally. You see, this time, politicians will not fly out of the country to get specialised treatment should they get infected with the new Coronavirus. They will not abandon us. They, just like the rest of us, will stay here and get treatment in the very hospitals that we go to. Folks, we shall swim or sink together," Okwara weighed in.
She also raised key issues pertaining to the insecurity of Kenyans at such a critical moment but assured that a united nation would always prosper.
"We all have the same fears and worries, how safe are we and our children, do we have enough sanitiser? Do we have enough toilet paper? Do we have enough testing kits? Is our government prepared to keep us all safe? Can our healthcare system handle this crisis? For once in our lives, it does not matter whether you are Tangatanga or Kieleweke.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this moment, right here, right now, is what I hope we can continue to relive, together. As one. The goal for all of us is the same. We all want to do more than just live, we want to thrive, we want to succeed. We want the best for our children, we want good health. We want to stay alive. It has taken a tiny virus that even the naked eye cannot see, to remind us of who we truly are. Just what will become of us when the virus is gone?" Okwara wondered.
Videos: Citizen TV
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