A security guard is nursing injuries after he was assaulted by two people alleged to be a police officer and her spouse on Friday, April 24, 2020.
CCTV footage obtained from Magunas Supermarket in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County as is seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows a guard being roughed up by people in civilian attire at the retailer's entrance.
Reports have since emerged that the guard, who is from a security company attached to the retailer, had asked the police officer to properly wear her face mask prior to entering the premises.
The officer, since identified as Jodrean Mukami, had her mask hanging around her neck, and instead of doing as advised, resorted to harassing the security guard, before she was joined by her husband who rained blows on the guard.
A source who sought anonymity confirmed the occurrence of the incident to Kenyans.co.ke.
The guard had asked the police officer to honour the directive as issued by the national government through the Ministry of Health in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
All Kenyans had been directed to always wear face masks while in public spaces, to minimise the risk of infection or spread of the virus, with legal action declared against offenders.
The security guard is said to have sustained serious injuries following the assault.
Mukami's colleagues arrived at the scene and arrested the security guard, holding him at Chuka Police Station prior to releasing him on the evening of Friday, April 24.
The incident is reported to have angered members of the public from the county, with several terming it arrogant and punitive.
The act occurred at a time when the country is stepping up its efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, and a call to Kenyans to honour the given guidelines on safety.
The government gazetted hefty fines for Kenyans, including parting with Ksh 20,000 or facing imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both if found breaking directives issued in line with the Public Health Act.
On Monday, April 6, 2020, Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 41 detailed that among the offences liable for the penalties included not wearing a mask while using public or private transport and failure to maintain social distance. The gazette was signed off by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
"Every person who is in a public place during the restriction period shall use a proper face mask that must cover the person’s mouth and nose. A person who contravenes these sub-rules commits an offence," an excerpt of the Gazette reads.
