This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On July 5, 2020, Kenya recorded 308 positive Covid-19 cases, sparking concerns about the spread of the virus. However, the next day, thousands of Kenyans defied the ban on social gatherings to visit Nyali beach in Mombasa.
According to eyewitnesses, the beachgoers cited stress and pressure from staying at home as reasons for their decision to visit the beach. One woman noted, "Staying for long at home brings about stress and pressure, at least every weekend, one should get a chance to enjoy while people also earn a living here."
Another beachgoer, a man, explained that the salty water was a good sanitizer, and he urged the authorities to open up the beaches so that people could continue with their work.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to address the nation on July 6, 2020, after the expiry of the 30-day curfew and cessation of movement order. The president had earlier disclosed plans to lift the lockdown that had restricted movement into and out of Nairobi and Mombasa counties.
Back on March 15, 2020, Mombasa County ordered the indefinite closure of public beaches and recreation areas, including Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, to prevent cases of the deadly coronavirus.
