Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, popularly known as Moha Jicho Pevu, has taken a swipe at Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho following the county boss' call for forced mass testing in the county.
In a video he shared with the public on the night of Saturday, May 2, the outspoken former journalist argued that no government had the right to force citizens into mass testing.
He further explained that a number of residents in the county had shunned the exercise because they were threatened that if they turned out positive, they would have to foot their own medical bills.
"I have seen videos of some of the leaders threatening Kenyans that they must partake Covid-19 tests. Let me say this, we are politicians but when it comes to health issues, let us not bring politics into it. We shall do politics when the time comes, right now, Kenyans should work in harmony.
"Despite the fact that Mombasa is releasing more Coronavirus positive cases, it is not justified for leaders to threaten Kenyans. We need to look for a solution as leaders and let the ministry do its job," stated Ali.
"Second, people fear to partake in the test because they will be told to foot the bills once they test positive. Who do you think will turn up for the test if they have to foot the bill on their own?" he wondered.
He further poked holes in the governor's Ksh700 million kitty allegedly allocated as part of the Covid-19 response.
"If there is that Ksh700 million, why should people be forced to foot their own bills? Let us not threaten Kenyans," he added.
Addressing the governor directly, the lawmaker made it clear that people were more interested in well-thought-out mitigation plans.
"You are calling for lockdown because you know you will stay indoors and eat well but there are some people who will be affected," he continued.
While addressing Kenyans at Old Town on Saturday, Joho voiced displeasure that members of the public were not taking the pandemic seriously and threatened to escalate the cessation of movement to complete lockdown.
"Two days ago we rolled out mass testing in Old Town, the residents are roughly 28,000. The figure we have is that we have 28,000 residents in this area but the number that has turned out to be tested is about 131," Joho stated.
"We have come to speak to you people of Old Town, everybody is complaining for one reason or another. The fact of the matter is that the government put the situation very clear from the onset, they told us to stay home, stay safe and wear your mask, observe hygiene standards. Many of us refused to listen, which has brought us to this situation today," he remarked.
More than 30 people have already tested positive from Mombasa Old Town with roughly six lives already lost as of Saturday, May 3.
As of the same date, nationally, the virus has claimed 22 lives with 435 cases already recorded.
