This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On June 29, 2020, the Ministry of Health downplayed the importance of revealing COVID-19 test results for Kenyan lawmakers, urging the public to focus on individual responsibility in the fight against the pandemic.
Speaking to the media, Jasper Kuria, a Ministry of Health Executive, emphasized the need to treat everyone as if they are positive, citing the risk of interacting with unknown individuals, particularly in political gatherings.
"The numbers of Parliamentarians who have tested positive (for Covid-19) 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 the virus and were admitted to various hospitals in Nairobi. Former Starehe Member of Parliament Margaret Wanjiru had also been admitted to hospital after contracting the virus but was later discharged after full recovery.
