Jerotich Seii, policy expert, activist and an analyst on KTN's Inside Politics show hosted by Ben Kitili, on Thursday, July 23 trained her guns on the government after testing positive for Covid-19.
After exhibiting serious symptoms, she undertook a test at a private facility on Monday, July 20 and received her results the same day. She then went into self-quarantine at home.
Seii explained that she chose to announce her results in a bid to eradicate the stigma associated with the disease, noting that she had been observing various recommendations on staying safe during the pandemic.
She, however, worryingly disclosed that no one from the Ministry of Health had bothered to contact her. Seii further sought to put into perspective various costs associated with the disease, warning Kenyans that they were on their own in case they contracted the virus.
The activist went on to question the expenditure of funds allocated by the government towards the fight against Covid-19, fueling reports of misappropriation.
"Without counting the cost of the privilege I have to self-quarantine and recover at home (so no hospital bills), the cost of the test and medication came to about Sh15K.
"What if I need[ed] to be hospitalised if symptoms worsen[ed]? What about ICU? Tell me: who can afford to be sick?" she posed.
Seii revealed that symptoms she exhibited included extreme fatigue, headaches, fever, no sense of smell, red eyes and a dry cough.
She warned that the government's perceived inaction would result in many more opting to recover at home without making it known that they are infected.
"I am a Kagwe (Mutahi - Health CS) statistic fan but no one from the Ministry of Health has called. Those (infected) guys are not coping. At all.
"This is why most people will opt to be sick & recover quietly, God willing. Stigma and brokenness is a dangerous combination. While billions of Covid-19 shillings are being stolen," she stated.
With many hospitals in counties such as Nairobi out of ICU space, home-based care has become a reality for many positive patients.
Stringent guidelines have been developed on which patients qualify for home-based care, but questions have been raised on whether the Ministry has been verifying compliance.
