Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Monday, June 15, blamed the police for an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the county.
The governor chaired a meeting at his Machakos office with county security chiefs that was centered around bolstering security during the pandemic.
Mutua was alarmed by the increased number of Covid-19 cases being imported into the county through the porous Nairobi Metropolitan Area borders.
"The porosity of the metropolis borders has led to increased cases of Covid-19 cases within Machakos County. Of special concern is that individuals without the prerequisite credentials are bribing police officers manning the set boundaries gaining access to and out of Machakos. That can not be tolerated," he noted.
The governor urged the public to refrain from bribing their way through roadblocks urging the police to be vigilant.
"I, therefore, wish to caution wananchi against giving bribes to officers as this is criminal and is punishable by law. I also call on all police officers to remain diligent in their role as we strive to flatten the Covid-19 curve," stated Mutua.
The former Government Spokesman however applauded the low crime rate being experienced across the country owing to the nationwide curfew.
He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to further extend the 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. nationwide curfew that was reviewed on Saturday, June 6.
"While discussions are underway on the opening of the economy, I ask His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider extending the curfew so that we can continue enjoying the peace and tranquillity we are currently experiencing," he added.
Mutua called upon the public to work together with local authorities and police, to report unusual activities within the community.
He also urged the public to utilise the Nyumba Kumi initiative by notifying the local leadership of any emerging issues.
Despite the order on cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, a number of Kenyans have devised ways around the roadblocks consequently exporting the virus to other counties. Only 9 counties out of 47 were yet to register a Covid-19 case as of June 15, 2020.
