Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho on Wednesday, March 15 slammed leaders in the country for branding donations meant to help Kenyans during the Covid-19 period, reiterating that it was no time for political popularity contests.
Speaking after a meeting with Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai in Mombasa, Joho backed a directive from the government banning uncoordinated direct donations; with donations now supposed to be channelled through County Governments, County Commissioners or the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund.
"Why go through the hustle of ensuring you carry a sack of food by yourself, take a picture and even label your name to be seen to be doing something?
"After all, you're serving God. Your gift or reward will be given to you by God, so stop thinking about other people at this point in time," he asserted.
Many leaders have made headlines in recent weeks for branding donations with their images; among them Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga who came under fire for branding donated bottles of hand sanitizer, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris who branded sanitary pads donated to girls and women in Nairobi's informal settlements.
Joho, who has earned plaudits for his pro-active response to the pandemic, called for a coordinated approach to donations and distributions even as he explained how Mombasa County had implemented a system to ensure all donations were accounted for.
Addressing reporters after IG Mutyambai donated 400 bales of flour to the people of Mombasa, the Governor promised that all those who made donations would receive a report detailing how the donations were put to use.
"There is no point in me sending food to one house, RC to send to the same house, then the IG to do the same, then the other politicians. We are not in a political contest, we cannot be in any political contest today, today is about humanity.
"So, here in Mombasa, we have a system that can stand the test of the moment any time. You have to trust us. We have marked the people, we have taken their contacts, we have developed technology to ensure every penny that is spent on supporting the needy families can be accounted for.
"We have volunteers, we have civil society; Red Cross, HAKI Africa, Huria Africa, name it, who have come forward to offer a hand in providing support," he stated.
In a show of reciprocation, Joho also presented Mutyambai with thousands of face masks to distribute to his officers enforcing various directives around the country.
Mutyambai revealed that the face masks they had received from Joho were more than the police service required.
"I want to thank Governor Joho for giving us this donation of face masks. He has actually given us more than we require for the police officers.
"As police continue working at the roadblocks, I want them to use this opportunity to give face masks to those who will pass through the roadblocks without them because I know for some, it's because they are unable to afford the masks," he stated.
Mutyambai further asserted that while police would be humane in ensuring Kenyans wear face masks, it was important for Kenyans to remember that wearing of masks in public areas had been made compulsory.
Joho and Mutyambai also took time to inspect compliance with physical distancing measures at the Likoni Ferry.
They later paid a visit to the roadblock at Shanzu, with all movement in and out of the county restricted as ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta to curb the spread of the virus.
Watch a video of Joho's speech below:
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