This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
On June 21, 2021, Trans Nzoia leaders raised concerns over the spread of Covid-19 cases, citing the potential destabilization of marriages.
Led by Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Hamisi, the leaders argued that the new measures would strain already fragile family ties.
“Most of the locals work in West Pokot and Uasin Gishu counties, and the idea of tightening Covid-19 preventive measures will injure most of the marriages that are already on the brink of collapsing due to long-distance relationships,” Hamisi said.
He also warned that the measures would lead to social vices among locals residing in slums due to the lack of social spaces.
Hamisi complained that the measures were only enforced in slum areas, citing the example of Saboti's Kipsongo, Tuwani, and Matisi slums.
“Youths in these areas engage in activities between 7 and 9 pm before watching football at 10 pm. Now, you're confining them in their houses – what do you expect from them?” Hamisi wondered.
Hamisi urged the national government to find ways to mitigate the rising Covid-19 numbers, arguing that locking down counties would worsen the situation instead of reducing the numbers.
“Rural counties are unique from counties like Nairobi. We could be bringing more harm than good to our people, including mass divorce cases,” Hamisi said.
