Kenyans were forced to spend the night in the cold on Monday, April 6, as police officers implemented a presidential directive banning movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
A video seen by Kenyans.co.ke highlighted the plight that most residents went through as they tried accessing their homes. In the video, police had mounted a roadblock along Kagundo Road and individuals who were trying to access the city or leave the city area had a tough time trying to convince the police to let them through.
Matatu operators hiked fares to take advantage of the rush and anxiety by Kenyans keen to beat the 7 p.m. deadline when the cessation of travel by road, air or rail in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
For instance, a normal evening commute from the city centre to Embakasi would have cost Ksh80 but on Monday, residents had to part with about Ksh200 and contend with a heavy traffic snarl-up.
In a state address on Monday evening, the President declared that a similar cessation of movement would be implemented in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 to other counties within the country.
''There shall be a cessation of all movement by road, rail or air in and out of Nairobi Metropolitan area and counties of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa,'' declared the president.
This declaration got many Kenyan off-balance as they hoped for a grace period before the implementation of the directive.
''We had to take this drastic measure because Kenyans are not following social distancing directive with the strictness that is required. We have seen people leave Nairobi for upcountry, such migrations are aiding in the spread of the disease to the very vulnerable,'' stated Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna in a QnA with Kenyans on Citizen TV.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Area includes the Nairobi City County, part of Kiambu County up to Chania River Bridge in Thika, including Rironi, Ndenderu, Kiambu town; part of Machakos County up to Athi River, including Katani; part of Kajiado County including Kitengela, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai and Ngong Town.
The government is still monitoring the situation with the new directive as Kenyans are warned of more drastic measures in case Covid-19 cases increase within the country.
''Even as we pray for the best, we must be ready for the worst. It is in moments like these that the character of a people and the destiny of the nation is truly clarified,'' President Uhuru stated.
Watch the video below:
