Ruto Reacts After Uhuru Bans Political Gatherings

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at State House on Friday, March 12, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at State House on Friday, March 12, 2021.
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UPDATE: Deputy President William Ruto has announced that he will suspend all public engagements after President Uhuru's announcement banning all political gatherings.

"The Covid-19 infection rates have become a serious source of concern making it necessary for GoK to take remedial measures to manage and contain the pandemic.

"With the President's announcement of containment measures I forthwith suspend all public engagement until further notice.

DP William Ruto addressing residents at the Funyula Stadium, Busia County on March 12, 2021.
DP William Ruto addressing residents at the Funyula Stadium, Busia County on March 12, 2021.
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The DP was earlier on March 12, at Funyula Stadium, Busia County where he held an empowerment forum for more than 3,000 Boda Bodas drawn from 54 groups from all the four Wards in Funyula Constituency at the Funyula Stadium, Busia County.


President Uhuru Kenyatta has banned all forms of political public gatherings in the country for 30 days from March 12, 2021.

Issuing the presidential directive on March 12, Uhuru directed the police to strictly enforce the order regardless of the social status of individuals.

"Cognizant that the propagation of the coronavirus disease within our borders has been fuelled by political gatherings and large social gatherings, I direct that all forms of political gatherings are hereby prohibited for a period of 30 days, effective midnight on this March 12, 2021.

"Whoever breaks the directive to not hold political rallies, including myself, will be dealt with according to the law," he stated.

Supporters at an ODM rally in Malindi on March 3, 2021
Supporters at an ODM rally in Malindi on March 3, 2021
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The Head of state added that only a third of the carrying capacity will be allowed at places of worship ceremonies. 

"On funerals, they shall be conducted strictly within 72 hours after death. Attendees will be limited to 100 for both funerals and weddings," he directed. 

In line with the guidelines issued by the Inter-faith Council, only a maximum of one-third of the capacity of places of worship will be allowed at each worship ceremony.

"There shall continue to be strict maintenance and enforcement of public social health measures, including regular washing of hands with soap and water or use of sanitizers, physical/social distancing in all public places," President Kenyatta added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta added that projections indicated that in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic the economy was likely to bounce back and grow by approximately 7 percent in 2021.

He further directed the Cabinet Secretary for Transport jointly with Cabinet Secretary Health to develop revised protocols for public transport in consultation with all stakeholders in the transport sector,

"We have developed a culture of civic responsibility, the government will do its part to protect Kenyans but the first line of defense is the people," he noted.

The Ministry of Health was also directed to enhance and enforce border health security especially on informal entry points.

"Kenya is entering a critical phase in the management and control of the pandemic. The vaccines that arrived have been tested and our own medical experts are persuaded that its safety profile is bankable," Uhuru added.

Mutahi
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media on October 18, 2020
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Ministry of Health
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