This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On April 23, 2020, Okiya Omtatah, a seasoned Kenyan activist, took to the courts to challenge the government's mandatory self-quarantine policy. The move is the latest in a series of efforts by Omtatah to protect the rights of Kenyans.
According to Omtatah, the government's decision to impose mandatory self-quarantine is unconstitutional. He argues that only a court magistrate has the authority to issue quarantine orders, not the Cabinet Secretary (CS). Omtatah accuses the CS of overstepping his mandate.
Omtatah is seeking a refund for all individuals who have been quarantined in the past 40 days. He argues that the government should bear the costs of quarantine, which currently stand at Sh2,000 per person for 14 days. Some individuals have been held for longer periods, incurring additional costs.
The activist is also challenging the government's right to hold individuals beyond the 14-day quarantine period. He wants the entire process to be halted until its constitutionality is determined.
Kenya has been implementing strict measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, which has reached 320 cases as of April 23, 2020. The country has been placed under high surveillance, with a curfew in place. President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that anyone who contravenes the set standards will be sent to quarantine.
