This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
President Kenyatta's Hypocrisy in Covid-19 Fight ¶
As Kenya grapples with a surge in Covid-19 cases, President Kenyatta's actions have been called into question. Despite imposing strict restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, the President has been hosting large gatherings, including a recent meeting of the Jubilee Parliamentary Group.
By doing so, President Kenyatta is setting a bad example, undermining the efforts of the Ministry of Health and security forces in the fight against Covid-19. The President's actions are a stark contrast to the restrictions he has imposed on the general public, which have taken a heavy toll on Kenyans who have lost jobs and incomes.
President Kenyatta has attributed the slow spread of Covid-19 in Kenya to the tough restrictions imposed. However, his actions in hosting large gatherings in breach of those same restrictions have been criticized as hypocritical. It is the height of hypocrisy to justify the restrictions and then summon a political gathering in defiance of them.
The Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre was a clear breach of the Covid-19 safety regulations. If the law were applied evenly, the meeting should never have been allowed. The police should have moved in forcefully to disperse the gathering, just as they have done with other groups that have failed to comply with the restrictions.
Kenya is a country of laws, which should be applied equally without discrimination. The President's actions have created a perception that there are two sets of laws: one for the rich and powerful, and another for the weak and helpless.
As Kenya continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential that leaders lead by example. President Kenyatta's actions have been a stark reminder that the fight against Covid-19 requires collective effort and commitment to the rules and regulations in place.
Published on June 23, 2020
