This archive report was first published on 25 April 2020.
On April 24, 2020, a group of 15 mourners from Nairobi was intercepted by Kalyet residents in Kipkelion West constituency as they attempted to enter the village.
According to Kericho County Police Commander Silas Gichunge, the villagers stopped the bus carrying the mourners at around 9:30 pm, citing concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
The mourners had attended a funeral in Kabianga village earlier that day and had been cleared by the coronavirus surveillance team.
However, the residents refused to let them in, leading to a standoff with the bus driver.
Police arrived at the scene and escorted the mourners to Kipkelion police station, where they spent the night inside the bus.
On April 25, 2020, Kericho County Director of Medical Services Dr. Betty Langat announced that COVID-19 screening conducted on the mourners turned negative.
Following the negative test results, the police released the mourners to return to Nairobi.
Kericho County Police Commander Silas Gichunge urged residents to remain vigilant and observe all health requirements to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Kipkelion Member of County Assembly Anthony Ruto commended the Kalyet residents for their vigilance.
