Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi tested positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19), the government confirmed on Sunday, March 22.
Saburi will also face prosecution for allegedly refusing to self-isolate after arriving in the country from Germany via Amsterdam on March 6. His refusal sparked the anger of residents and county staff who interacted with him.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stated that those who came into contact with the patient from Kilifi would enter self-isolation.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi then issued a statement, revealing that he was among those who came into contact with the patient as he further addressed plans to combat the spread of Covid-19 in Kilifi.
"We have already identified all county staff who came into direct contact with the patient and ordered them to go on mandatory self-quarantine for fourteen days during which period very close supervision will be undertaken by our trained medical personnel and enforcement officers to ensure strict compliance.
"The patient has also provided us with the names and contacts of those with whom he had direct contact," the statement read in part.
Kingi confirmed that results for his sample taken by medical practitioners had tested negative for Covid-19.
"I also came into contact with the patient and, as coronavirus protocols demand, I have placed myself on self-quarantine starting Thursday, 19th March 2020. I also had the emergency response team visit me at my home to collect specimens for testing.
"I got my results and they turned negative," he wrote.
The governor promised to stay in self-quarantine for the required fourteen days despite testing negative.
Saburi had reportedly met a group of MCAs on March 7 at Royal Hotel in Mazeras to discuss preparations for International Women's Day celebrations that were to be held in Rabai.
He also attended the burial of the late former Deputy Governor Kenneth Kamto's bodyguard on the same date.
Saburi was also reportedly sighted at a night club in Bamburi, Mombasa on March 19 and at a restaurant known as Cafesserie-Mombasa on March 20 alongside his driver.
Watch a video of Kagwe's press conference below:
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