This archive report was first published on 27 April 2020.
Published on April 27, 2020, Kisii County Police Commander Jebel Munene confirmed the arrests, stating that the group was found drinking by officers on patrol, which is against government guidelines to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The seven individuals were taken to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kisii town for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. This brings the total number of those quarantined at the facility to 17.
Meanwhile, in Nyamira County, some individuals forced to quarantine at Menyenya Secondary School in Borabu have expressed concerns about the deplorable state of the facility. The group, comprising revellers caught drinking in bars in Keroka town during the curfew, claim life is unbearable due to the high daily charge of Sh1,000, lack of essential items such as hand sanitisers, soap, and mosquito nets, and poor quality of food.
"We are being treated like prisoners. Some of us come from poor families and cannot afford the amount of money we are being asked for. The classrooms are very cold during the night," one individual, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Nation by phone.
Residents have asked the county to reduce the daily charge and improve their welfare. Nyamira County Commissioner Amos Mariba has warned that those who defy anti-virus guidelines will face the full consequences and advised residents to adhere to government orders to avoid quarantine facilities.
