How Politicians Reacted to Uhuru's Covid-19 Address

File image of Parliament in session
File image of Parliament in session
Daily Nation

Politicians shared mixed reactions to President Uhuru Kenyatta's state address on Monday, July 6, after lifting some of the government's Covid-19 restrictions.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and former Minister of Justice Martha Karua were particulalry opposed, if not appalled, by the President's move to gradually reopen the economy.

"I really hope I am wrong but lifting Cessation of Movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa will multiply the infections 10 times. I am really worried about our older folks in the countryside. Anyway, what do I know?" noted Murkomen.

A photo of the Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen with a cake in his office.
A photo of the Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen with a cake in his office on March 12, 2020.
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Referencing a=n exerpet of an opinion article by the Daily Nation that read, 'As the President makes the all-important decision, experts have advised that infections must be contained and headed downwards before he considers relaxing any of the measures', Karua noted that Uhuru had ignored advice from health experts. 

Many other politicians, however, commended the President for his decision to lift some of the restrictions in the country.

"I agree with President Uhuru on the removal of the cessation of movement. The economy needs this badly. Retaining the curfew is necessary and is what Governors advised.

"However, we will need to enforce, without fear or favour, health regulations so that we do not see a Covid spike," stated Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.

Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga thanked the President, Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus for what she described as salvaging the economic situation by easing movement.

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She added that it is now the duty of Kenyans to practice civic responsibility as the dangers posed by Covid-19 were still real.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative, Purity Ngirici reacted by calling on Kenyans to take civic responsibility seriously and urged Kenyans to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot urged the county's legislature to come up with guidelines for people arriving from various parts of the country.

"I urge the County Assembly of Kericho to urgently meet and develop public order protocols that shall guide the conduct of all visitors into our county effective today.

"Covid is real. We must be careful as we are fully aware of our limited capacity in health facilities," stated Cheruiyot.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici pictured addressing a forum on March 5, 2020
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici pictured addressing a forum on March 5, 2020
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