The Government has launched an exercise to fumigate all police stations across the country to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Magu Mutindika, while launching the exercise today at the Kisumu Central, said police stations and cells are high risk spots for the spread of pandemic due to the high number of people visiting those places.
Photos by Joseph Ouma – KNA
Mutindika said the fumigation exercise is set to commence across all the six counties in Nyanza region starting Wednesday this week, with respective county commissioners and police commanders directed to utilize Kazi Mtaani youth to do the exercise.
The RC said the police traffic department will deal firmly with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators as well as passengers found contravening Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines on restricting the number of passengers allowed to be ferried.
Government, in April directed that all PSV vehicles will only be allowed to carry 60 percent capacity as a measure to ensure social distancing but Mr. Mutindika observed that some operators have started disregarding the regulations.
He revealed that some of the operators hoodwink traffic police officers by carrying the required number of passengers but the moment they leave bus terminus, they add more passengers on the way, hence defeating the purpose of fighting the pandemic.
“We urge the members of the public to take personal precaution by ensuring they conform to MOH guidelines by putting on face masks, maintaining social distancing and avoiding social gathering like disco ‘matangas’,” he added.
He said while there were only four recognized major roadblocks in Western Kenya region, the traffic department will have temporary roadblocks to ensure compliance.
“We have only four major roadblocks along Kisumu- Kericho, Kisumu- Kakamega highways and Isebania border in Migori and one in Busia on the border with Uganda to curb influx of foreigners but instant roadblocks will be mounted to check on matatus contravening MOH guidelines.
Mr. Mutindika however denied complaints regarding numerous roadblocks erected by the traffic police in Kisumu County, with motorists complaining that there are about seven roadblocks between Ahero- Kisumu, a distance of only 40 kms.
New Nyanza regional police commander Lydia Ligami said they will partner with stakeholders to ensure all police cells are fumigated and asked matatu operators to conform to transport protocols to curb Covid-19.
By George Kaiga
