This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
On May 13, 2020, a heroic matatu driver, Samson Kariuki of Neno Sacco, turned himself in to authorities after discovering that some of his passengers had sneaked into his vehicle from a Covid-19 affected area.
After overheard two passengers discussing their origin, Kariuki realized that they had been trying to avoid police roadblocks by taking various paths. He immediately reported the incident to Neno Sacco officials, who in turn informed the police.
Embu County Commissioner, Abdulahi Galgalo, presented Kariuki's wife, Catherine Gitiri, with a reward of Sh10,000 and various foodstuff for her husband's bravery.
According to Galgalo, Kariuki's actions were a bold step in curbing the spread of the disease, and he also commended the residents of Embu County for being vigilant and reporting four buses heading to Embu from Mombasa that were forced to turn back.
Gitiri expressed her gratitude for the reward, stating that she was initially worried but is now calm and happy that her husband doesn't have to worry about providing for their family while in quarantine.
After the mandatory quarantine, the two passengers will be arraigned for flouting government regulations, as stated by Embu County Police Commander, Daniel Rukunga.
