This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, authorities in Makueni County, Kenya, have taken drastic measures to prevent its spread. On Monday evening, security officials at Emali township arrested 37 individuals, including 24 commercial sex workers, for violating state directives meant to combat the spread of the virus.
According to Nzaui Sub-county Police Commander Josiah Dullo, the operation targeted several establishments in the township, including a brothel at Kilungu Lodge and a bar where two maids were selling alcohol to their clients. The sting operation also netted three individuals found loitering in the township during the dusk-dawn curfew period.
"We arrested 14 prostitutes crammed in a tiny brothel at Kilungu Lodge. At Under 18 Lodge, we arrested 10 prostitutes and 6 male clients," Commander Dullo said after the operation.
The 37 individuals were taken to Emali Police Station awaiting transfer to Mulala Girls High School and Matiliku Boys High School for quarantine. "We shall take them to court after the quarantine period," Commander Dullo said.
Although Makueni County has not registered a single coronavirus case, authorities are on high alert, citing the county's vulnerability due to its location along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. Makueni County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim has directed chiefs and their assistants to arrest anyone found without a face mask in public spaces.
