This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 5, 2020, Mombasa, Kenya, was among the five counties in Kenya implementing a cessation of movement to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The coastal city had recorded high COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
As part of enhanced measures to curb the spread of the virus, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, and Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo volunteered for COVID-19 tests on Monday. This move was aimed at encouraging locals to undergo the test after the government decried a low turnout.
"We are not taking any chances because we must save our people," said Governor Joho in a recent interview.
Old Town, a hotspot for the virus, had registered 158 cases by Monday, as the caseload in the country hit 490. Initially, the three leaders had threatened to force Old Town residents to undergo forceful testing for COVID-19, but they later changed their tune.
"The governor cannot force us to be tested. He should come here and lead from the front," said some Old Town residents before Joho took the test on Monday.
After taking the test, Joho assured residents that the county and national governments were working together to benefit the local community. He also promised to support residents who tested positive.
"We will not let you down. If you are positive, we will support you," said Joho.
Kitiyo added that public health officials would look into several factors before someone was taken to a government facility for mandatory quarantine.
"Do not be afraid of quarantine, the public health officials will look from where you come from before you are taken to quarantine. Our facilities are also friendly," he said.
