This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
On June 27, 2020, the High Court delivered a blow to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) when it dismissed a case filed by the organization seeking to quash regulations by the Ministry of Health aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
The regulations, which included a mandatory face mask directive and a Ksh 20,000 fine for individuals found flouting the rule, were deemed necessary by the court to protect public health and safety.
LSK had argued that the directive was illegal and would disproportionately affect poor Kenyans who were already struggling due to the economic downturn.
However, Justice James Makau ruled that the measures were within the government's legal mandate and were necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
"The measures and steps undertaken under the Public Health (prevention, control, and suppression of Covid-19) should be supported for the good of all," Makau stated.
The court also dismissed LSK's concerns regarding the cessation of movement and the dusk-to-dawn curfew issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta, ruling that the government had the right to take measures to protect Kenyan lives.
LSK's challenge comes at a time when Kenya is gearing up to lift the cessation of movement and inter-county lockdown directives implemented in Nairobi and Mombasa.
On June 26, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced plans to lift the lockdown, stating that the nation would adhere to the World Health Organisation's guidelines.
