This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
On April 22, 2020, Kenya was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, with 296 people infected and 14 lives lost. In a bid to contain the spread of the virus, the government had imposed a 14-day quarantine on those who had come into contact with infected individuals.
However, a group of individuals quarantined at the Kenya Medical Training College's Nairobi campus had other plans. They jumped over the fence to escape the quarantine, sparking concern among authorities.
President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the issue during an interview with Kiswahili-broadcasting radio stations at State House Nairobi. He vowed to track down the escapees and force them to complete the mandatory isolation period.
"Even to those we saw escaping, do not think you have won, we shall find you, you will come back and will continue with quarantine, you will go back to the facility," he said.
The President condemned the actions of the escapees, describing them as reckless and endangering to the lives of Kenyans who were abiding by the law and protecting themselves against the disease.
He urged Kenyans to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to contain the further spread of the virus.
