This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Kenya marked 100 days since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country on Sunday, June 21, 2020. During this period, one name has dominated the news: Mutahi Kagwe, the Health Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking to NTV on Monday, Kagwe reflected on the challenges of fighting the virus, saying it has not been smooth. However, he has become known for his light-hearted approach to the crisis, often injecting humor into his daily briefings.
One phrase that has stuck with Kenyans is 'Kagwe speshio,' which was coined after Kagwe reprimanded those who have been abusing the government's decision to reopen restaurants and eateries. He pointed out that some people have been hopping from one restaurant to another, ordering one sausage and two beers, before moving on to another.
When asked about the phrase, Kagwe laughed and said, 'I laugh like everybody else, I sing along, 'You can gerrit, I can gerrit, we all can gerrit', I just go along, and when they propose there is a new meal 'Kagwe speshio' I go somewhere and order.'
Another phrase that has become associated with Kagwe is 'You can gerrit,' which he emphasized the need for Kenyans to be extra cautious of how they carry themselves in public places and to stop any chances of them contracting coronavirus.
However, not all nicknames have been flattering. Kagwe has expressed his discomfort with being referred to as 'Waziri wa Corona' or 'mtu wa corona,' saying it forgets the other roles of the Ministry of Health.
