An alarm has been raised after several people who escaped from Eastleigh area of Nairobi County found their way into Murang’a County.
County Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Barre said since Monday this week, security officers have arrested several individuals who used alternative routes to reach Murang’a.
Barre said on Tuesday, police managed to arrest three people at Kangema who had arrived from Eastleigh, an area which is currently under lockdown to help control the spread of covid-19.
He said acting on intelligence provided by members of the public, police apprehended people evaded the main road and opted to use panya routes to reach Murang’a from Nairobi.
Speaking on Wednesday during distribution of facemasks at Mukuyu and Mjini areas of Murang’a town, the Commissioner noted that all those nabbed were put under forced quarantine.
“It’s very regrettable to find somebody escaping from Nairobi and especially from Eastleigh which has been put under lockdown and then traveling to rural areas putting lives of residents in danger of contracting covid-19,” remarked Barre.
He further observed that the escapees are even opting to use canoes to cross river Chania to access Murang’a County without using the main road.
On Monday, eight passengers among them a Tanzanian national were arrested on their way to Nyeri County after the matatu they were traveling in was intercepted by security officers at Mukuyu near Murang’a town.
Local residents have been lauded for providing information of people who are using illegal ways to beat roadblocks and move out of Nairobi.
The county Commissioner said they are deploying officers on the many routes which people have been trying to use to access or move away from Nairobi metropolis.
Meanwhile the national government through interior officers has distributed more than 40, 000 face masks to the less fortunate within Murang’a County.
The masks, Barre noted have benefited those from poor families and bodaboda riders who are deemed to interact with many people on daily basis.
“Moving in public areas without a mask is an offense and we encourage our people to make sure they have the masks as they move out of their houses or else they risk getting arrested,” added the commissioner.
He further noted that they have received several tons of food donations, which have been distributed to vulnerable families.
“Our offices have been receiving food donations from well-wishers but the donations are not enough. Any individual, organization or group of people is welcome to donate to enable us reach the many people who are experiencing hunger,” added Barre.
By Bernard Munyao
Alarm over people escaping from Nairobi to Murang’a County
