This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
June 29, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya
At least six Members of Parliament (MPs) have been hospitalized in Nairobi with COVID-19, sparking concerns about the spread of the virus among lawmakers.
The MPs, who have not been named, are believed to have contracted the virus after interacting with Jubilee Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe, who has been battling the virus at Aga Khan Hospital for over a week.
Wangwe, who replaced Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali on June 2, has been interacting with most lawmakers due to the nature of his job, which has raised questions about his role in the spread of the virus.
According to sources at Parliament, at least 50 MPs have taken COVID-19 tests after learning of their colleague's illness, highlighting the vulnerability of politicians in the fight against the virus.
MPs have been accused of flouting COVID-19 regulations, sneaking out of Nairobi, and interacting with their constituents upcountry, which has contributed to the spread of the virus.
Robert Alai, a social media commentator, questioned the secrecy surrounding Wangwe's illness, saying, 'National Assembly Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe ako admitted for the last week in Aga Khan and nobody is talking about it. Like it doesn't matter. Huko big houses can't you just be honest?'
Wangwe hosted a homecoming party at his Navakholo home to celebrate his new role on June 13, which was attended by hundreds of people, including Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
