This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
On May 13, 2020, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman cautioned against youths extorting Kenyans under the guise of enforcing government directives on COVID-19.
Speaking during a daily briefing on the pandemic, Dr. Aman revealed that some youths were forcefully demanding money from residents, claiming to be part of the National Hygiene Program.
He also noted that other youths were robbing commuters, citing the lack of face masks as a pretext.
Dr. Aman urged the youths to refrain from such practices and instead contribute positively to the fight against COVID-19.
"We are appealing to some of our youth that are undermining the objectives of the National hygiene program by forcefully demanding money from individuals within the neighborhoods they are cleaning to refrain from such practices," Dr. Aman said.
He commended the youths who had enrolled in the program for their efforts in cleaning neighborhoods and reminded them that they were the leaders in the fight against COVID-19.
However, Dr. Aman noted that the noble intention of the program was being implemented in the wrong way, which could lead to a decrease in compliance and negate the gains made so far.
