This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenyan government has taken drastic measures to contain it. On May 15, 2020, the Head of Police Operations, Henry Barmao, issued a circular instructing field officers to arrest members of the public who fail to wear face masks properly.
According to the circular, officers are required to file daily cases of the crimes to police headquarters. The order applies not only to individuals but also to those found flouting curfew and the partial lockdown.
“Similarly, mount roadblocks to ensure no movement of vehicles and persons after the commencement of 7pm curfew hours, except those exempted and listed as essential service providers. All vehicles and persons found violating the orders to be detained and charged with contravening curfew orders. Submit daily returns on the same,” Barmao said in the internal memo.
Under the new law, anyone found not wearing a face mask in public places during the COVID-19 outbreak will be arrested. The government published the law in April, which imposes a fine of Sh20,000 and a jail term of six months, or both, for anyone found not wearing a mask in public as a preventative measure against the spread of the pandemic.
