This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, Kenya marked 100 days since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country. One name that has dominated news over that period is Mutahi Kagwe, the Health Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking to NTV, Kagwe reflected on the challenges of fighting the virus, saying, 'The fight against the virus has not been smooth.'
Despite the seriousness of the virus, Kagwe takes all the jokes Kenyans make about him in his stride. He has become known for his light-hearted approach to the pandemic, often using humor to drive home important messages.
One phrase that has stuck with Kenyans is 'Kagwe speshio', which was coined after he reprimanded those who have been abusing the government's decision to reopen restaurants and eateries. He pointed out that some people have been going to multiple restaurants, ordering one sausage and two beers, and then moving on to another restaurant.
When emphasizing the need for Kenyans to be extra cautious, Kagwe said, 'Anybody can gerrit, you can gerrit, I can gerrit.' This statement went viral as Kenyans relished Kagwe's newfound American twang.
However, not all nicknames have been flattering. Kagwe has expressed that he doesn't understand why some people, especially children, have taken to referring to him as 'Waziri wa Corona' or 'mtu wa corona'. He clarified that the Ministry of Health is not the ministry of coronavirus.
