This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
Friday, June 19, 2020, marked another day under lockdown, with many Kenyans struggling to adapt to the new normal. For one man, the desire to visit his mother in the village was a constant source of frustration.
Despite the government's guidelines, he found himself relying on the parish priest to check on his mother, unable to secure the necessary passes to travel. A visit to the local pub to buy meat and have his car washed was a welcome respite, but it also brought him face-to-face with the reality of the lockdown.
As he chatted with the car wash crew, he was met with a mix of amusement and disdain. 'You are a coward!' one of them joked, 'Nothing changed for us.' The man was taken aback, but his companions quickly reassured him that they had found ways to 'enjoy their meat and drinks' despite the lockdown.
Their 'exit plan' involved making special arrangements with 'people' who could provide them with the necessary passes. The man was both impressed and scared by their audacity, but ultimately decided to follow their advice and ask for a 'hookup' to get a pass.
However, his plans were soon derailed by a mass email from his CEO warning against the use of 'fake travel passes.' The man was left feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do, highlighting the challenges faced by many in navigating the complex rules of the lockdown.
