Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Woman Rep Esther Passaris were on Sunday, April 5, moved to action following an outcry from a woman who was under forced quarantine.
In a video that shook the social media space, an unidentified woman disclosed that the deplorable state of quarantine centers were mentally affecting the patients.
Citing her own case, she further disclosed she had suffered four panic attacks in the 14 days she was under quarantine and was likely to suffer worse if the state does not reconsider its 14-day extension.
"On the 12th day, we were told that we had to stay for 14 more days. Considering that we had followed each and every protocol, we had adhered to all the rules set by the government, this is not done.
"Many of us are university students. In my hotel, there is a pregnant mother who needs prenatal care and she is not getting that," she stated.
"Many of us are travelling from abroad and it is like our mental health is not taken into consideration. The thing is we have already tested negative. It is taking a toll on mental health.
"I have had four panic attacks in the last two hours and to find out that we shall stay in quarantine for 14 more days?" shared the woman.
Touched by her plea, Sonko started a search for her facility but up until the publishing of this article, his communications representative told Kenyans that he had not gotten into contact with her.
Passaris, on the other hand, tracked her down and spent the day with her offering support in mental health matters.
"I spent the better part of today facilitating counseling services for this young lady and the other pregnant Sudanese lady just to help contain their anxiety.
"The mental health of our fellow Kenyans in quarantine must be prioritised to contain their anxiety," stated the woman rep.
She further added that she would launch an appeal to the Health CS so that the two individual cases are sorted out as quickly as possible.
In her outcry, the woman had also expressed fear that the 14-day extension would affect the people under the facility's quarantine because they were still interacting with Hotel staff without any protective gear.
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