This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho announced that five people who tested positive for coronavirus in Mombasa Old Town had fled with their families to an unidentified location.
The five individuals, whose identities were not disclosed, were among the last group of 65 people to be tested for the novel coronavirus in the area over the weekend.
According to Joho, the individuals who fled were from Sijara in Bondeni, where a herbalist who died from the virus also lived.
Addressing journalists, Joho stated that police had launched a manhunt for the five individuals and warned that legal action would be taken against them when they are found and apprehended.
“Five people who tested positive have gone into hiding instead of coming to our facilities. Who are you helping? What this means is that you have put even more of your relatives at risk,” Joho said.
He appealed to the five families to return, warning that they would be pursued should they not heed the call.
“What they are doing is deliberately spreading the disease. They will be dealt with,” Joho added.
