This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
On May 11, 2020, Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti condemned the public release of Osman Shariff's Covid-19 status, including his photo and biodata.
Shariff, a businessman in Isiolo, claims that healthcare workers at the Garbatula Hospital where he was quarantined took photos of him and shared his biodata on social media.
He alleges that this has led to massive losses for his businesses, including a wholesale shop in Garbatula Town and buses that ply the Garbatula-Maua route, which have been snubbed by the public due to his previous health status.
Shariff's daughter has also been on the receiving end of stigma, reportedly being beaten by a mob in Maua town that singled her out for belonging to the 'Covid-19 family'.
Despite testing negative for the virus following two tests, Shariff continues to suffer from stigma as people shun him, his family, and businesses.
He is now seeking Ksh25 million in compensation from the county government, claiming that the employees who leaked his health status are under its employ.
