Mandera Governor Ali Roba is among the latest victims of a Chikungunya - a viral disease that has ravaged his county.
The Governor has contracted the mosquito-borne viral disease which causes fever and severe joint pains although it doesn’t kill.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Mandera Town, Mr Roba revealed he had fallen victim to the disease which has affected over 500 people in the county.
“Chikungunya does not discriminate. In Somali language we call it Adala, meaning justice. It has affected most of us and we need to go and rest,” Mr Roba was quoted by the Daily Nation.
The governor is reported to have fallen sick on Monday and was seen using a stick to support himself while heading to work on Tuesday.
He appealed for more medical support from the national government to prevent the spread of Chikungunya and manage the Cholera outbreak in his county.
Mr Roba stated that most leaders and locals shunned Madaraka celebrations as they were suffering from Chikungunya like him or taking care of their relatives while others were affected by Cholera which has claimed 16 lives in a month.
Following the health crisis in Mandera, a group of 11 health specialists consisting of six doctors and five nurses flew to Mandera County on Monday morning to help contain the situation.
