Security personnel have expressed concern over the high number of residents in Murang’a town, roaming in public places without wearing face masks.
At the same time, public service vehicles in the were reportedly ferrying excess passengers, thereby disregarding the ministry of health guidelines aimed at mitigating the spread of coronavirus.
Murang’a East Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Okaka Etiang speaking Thursday, noted with dismay that in many of the local open air markets, residents were engaging in their daily activities without keeping social distance as advised by the government.
Subsequently, Etiang stated that security officers will now embark on arresting those found without masks and commence crackdown on rogue matatu operators for exposing citizens to the risk of contracting the infectious virus.
He directed local transport Saccos to ensure that the concerned matatu owners remove any extra seats so their vehicles only ferry the required number of passengers
“We gave out masks to the less fortunate members of the society a few days ago, so there is no excuse that some people don’t have the protective gear. Walking without mask endangers your own life and for others,” he added.
The deputy county commissioner further moved to dispel widespread perception by a section of local residents that the virus was only affecting people living in places like Nairobi and Mombasa. You need to know that the disease can spread to every part of the country,” asserted Etiang.
The deputy county commissioner’s sentiments come at a time when the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that Murang’a County recorded its first case of covid-19 Thursday.
On Tuesday, a person from Kahuro sub county in Murang’a, who sought medication at the Kenyatta National Hospital contracted the disease while in the city but unfortunately passed on. His remains were interred under strict supervision by experts from the department of health.
Etiang said national government public administrators with help of police officers will follow up and ensure all residents adhere to the laid down guidelines to control the virus.
Meanwhile, the deputy county commissioner has asked local artisans to take advantage of the money the government has set aside for provision of school desks.
He said soon funds will be released to buy desks to equip schools in preparation of reopening of the institutions when the coronavirus is contained.
In the recent 8-point economic stimulus programme announced by the President, Sh. 6.5 billion was allocated to the ministry of education to facilitate employment of teachers and improvement of school infrastructure including acquisition of 250,000 fabricated desks.
Etiang noted that local artisans should commence making of the desks so that when the government orders for the furniture, they will find them ready.
He also added that the sub county will be engaging about 1, 200 youth in the National Hygiene Programme, dubbed Kazi Mtaani initiative, adding that priority will be given to young people from informal settlements including Mjini slums in Murang’a town.
“In Mjini we want to recruit about 165 young people while other slots will be going to the other 23 sub locations. The youth will be engaged in cleanup exercise, unblocking drainage systems and planting of trees,” he added.
By Bernard Munyao
Police in Murang’a to nab culprits defying Covid-19 directives
