This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On Thursday, July 9, 2020, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressed the public during a routine Covid-19 update in Mombasa, where he spoke about Pastor Robert Burale's claims of contracting Covid-19.
According to reports, Pastor Burale had announced on Monday, July 6, that he had tested positive for Covid-19 through his Facebook page and a subsequent interview with Radio Maisha's Massawe Japani.
However, his claims were met with skepticism after he was seen dressed in a t-shirt and cap in an Instagram video, sparking uproar among netizens who argued that the appearance was less convincing for someone who was on Oxygen in an ICU.
CS Kagwe brushed off the story, stating that he did not know who Pastor Burale was or why he would lie about contracting the deadly disease.
"I have never heard of this guy. You are saying he is supposed to have been paid, by who? I don't know what he is doing. When it comes to issues like rumours, if I were to respond to every rumour I would be very busy," CS Kagwe said.
He further stated, "I honestly don't know about him. I don't know who would have paid him or why he would be pretending. The guy might probably be sick but you have decided that he is not. Let me leave that one out,"
According to the Ministry of Health, there are various stages for Covid-19 infection which require different treatment. The treatment costs range from Ksh 21,000 per day for asymptomatic patients to Ksh 71,000 per day for those in ICU placed on a ventilator.
