This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
On June 29, 2020, the Kenyan government downplayed the importance of disclosing Covid-19 cases among Members of Parliament, citing concerns over stigma and individual responsibility.
Speaking to the media, Jasper Kuria, a Ministry of Health Executive, emphasized the need to treat everyone as if they are positive, urging Kenyans to avoid political gatherings and focus on their own health.
‘The numbers of Parliamentarians who have tested positive is not going to help you not turn positive. We have to fight the stigma even as we seek to ensure that Kenyans from all walks of life are healed,’ Kuria said.
Reports had earlier indicated that up to six lawmakers had contracted coronavirus and were admitted to various hospitals in Nairobi, with former Starehe Member of Parliament Margaret Wanjiru being discharged after full recovery.