This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Kenyans Criticize Senator Murkomen for Opposing Reopening of Country ¶
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the lifting of the partial lockdown in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties, citing the need to reopen the economy. However, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has come under fire for opposing the move, claiming that it would lead to a surge in COVID-19 infections.
According to Senator Murkomen, the lifting of the lockdown would result in a 10-fold increase in infections, as the virus is primarily spread through human interaction and movement. He expressed his concerns on Twitter, stating, "Cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa is a big mistake. I really hope I am wrong but lifting Cessation of Movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa will multiply the infections 10 times."
However, Kenyans have accused Senator Murkomen of hypocrisy, pointing out that he had previously flouted the cessation of movement order when it was in place. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage, with some calling him insensitive to the plight of the poor who rely on traveling to the village for survival.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had warned Kenyans to desist from non-essential travel, citing the risk of the virus spreading. He also stated that the country was now at a higher risk of the virus and that the lockdown would be reverted if the situation worsened.
