Dancing with deaths: Kenyans yet to observe measures to curb COVID-19

Barely two weeks after the county government of Trans Nzoia closed
the open-air markets in the county, normalcy seems to be crippling back with
traders opening their stalls. The residents continue to be going about their
duties with social distance barely observed.

On Monday, police and Boda Boda operators in Kitale engaged in a
running battle as Boda Boda riders still access town despite the ban and police
blocks at various points in the county.

The number of residents wearing face masks is wanting. The county urged
the Boda Boda operators to carry one passenger and have masks but this has
since landed on deaf ears.

The health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that it is not a
government’s disease but it is our disease. With the various killing even the mighty
in the society it is clearly noted that are people putting on masks when
hearing the police or health people are in patrol. Many walks with their masks
in pockets and handbags.

“The masks make it difficult for someone to breath. You sweat a
lot and smakes one feel uncomfortable. But I have it and I don’t miss it when going anywhere. Most have and
after a little scare you will be shocked that almost everyone in town has a
mask.” Said a trader at Chanuka Market in Kitale.

On Sunday a police lorry arrested worshippers at a church in Lukhuna
area in Kitale after they were found inside the church despite the government’s
order on closure of churches. In the same area a young man was arrested with a full
police uniform and a pistol at his disposal, days after a police officer was
found dead.

About 50 Kenyans were reported to have sneaked out of an isolation
center in Nairobi who were arrested after defying the dusk to dawn curfew on
Friday.

A number of Kenyans have continued to be “indiscipline” in the fight
against corona even with the number of infections in the country continues to
rise.

In an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday morning, President
Uhuru Kenyatta warned those going against the set rules, adding that those who
escaped will get to face the law for putting the life of others in danger.

With the ministry of health doing all it can to keep the country
safe and contain the virus, it is evident that Kenyans are the ones frustrating
the efforts of the government.

The country so far has recorded a total of 303 COVID-19 cases,
after the ministry of health tested 707 samples with 7 turning out positive as
at Wednesday.