This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 6, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the reopening of the country, urging Kenyans to protect one another and adhere to Covid-19 measures, including social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding handshakes, and sanitizing. However, just 11 days later, on July 17, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi was seen flouting these directives at a burial service in Kabenes, Uasin Gishu.
Sudi was spotted shaking hands with mourners and not maintaining social distance, despite the Ministry of Health issuing mandatory guidelines on protecting oneself in public. He was also not wearing a mask.
During the service, Sudi ranted about the mismanagement of Jubilee Party funds, stating, "We are not beggars, we are the ones who formed the government but it is being driven by corrupt and selfish individuals." He also announced that he would decline his recent appointment to be a member of the Committee of Parliamentary Powers and Privileges.
On the same day, several other politicians were also spotted flouting Covid-19 rules. In June, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was arrested and released on cash bail after addressing a rally in Kakamega County. On July 18, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja was detained at Kilimani Police Station after he was found drinking at a Night Club, despite President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to keep bars closed.
According to the Ministry of Health, individuals who break Covid-19 directives can be fined Ksh 20,000 or face imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.
As of July 17, Kenya had recorded 12,062 positive Coronavirus cases, with 222 fatalities and 3,983 recoveries.
