Police in Narok County have arrested 124 persons for failing to put on face masks as directed by the Ministry of Health to avert Covid-19 pandemic.
The Narok County Commissioner (CC), Samuel Kimiti said those arrested lacked facemasks while others had their masks hanging on their necks.
“Those with their facemasks hanging on their necks are not different with those lacking the masks completely. It is important for people to note that the face masks are for their own benefits not the benefit of the government,” said Kimiti.
He reiterated that those who failed to adhere to the regulations put to avert Covid-19 pandemic risk paying a fine of not less than Sh 20, 000.
Kimiti who spoke from his office on Wednesday asked residents to adhere to the simple regulations to avoid paying hefty fines that they could otherwise use for purchasing food or other basic needs.
“During this season when many families could be struggling financially, it is important to follow simple rules the government has put so as to avoid being at the wrong side of the law,” advised Kimiti.
The CC continued that his office will not compromise in implementing the laid regulations especially during this season that there is no case reported in the county.
“We pray and work hard to remain that way with no positive case of Covid-19 reported. We have to be on high alert as our neigbouring counties like Bomet, Kajiado, Nakuru and Kiambu have reported increasing cases of the disease.
At the same time, Kimiti announced that the county had received 15, 000 face masks from the National government that will be distributed to vulnerable persons in the town.
This comes as traders in Narok town decry of frequent frustrations and harassment by the police officers who accuse them of not being observant in adhering to the laid regulations to avert Covid-19 pandemic.
By Ann Salaton