More than 150 people have been arrested and charged in Kisumu for failing to wear face masks, keep social distance and other violations of Covid-19 rules.
County police commander Samuel Anampiu said the arrests follow an intensified crackdown on those breaking the rules in the last two weeks.
The arrests have been made in public service vehicles, bars and restaurants.
A multi-agency team has been conducting swoops at bars and restaurants that have failed to comply with the 7pm closing time.
Kisumu has in recent days been recording high numbers of new Covid-19 infections, with the Indian variant being reported in the county.
“The violators failed to wear face masks and keep social distancing,” Anampiu said.
“We are not relenting on the crackdown. Nobody will be spared. As citizens, we must all be responsible.”
Anampiu said the multi-agency team has been sensitising the public on the importance of Covid-19 compliance in Kisumu Central, Seme, Nyakach, Kisumu East, Nyando, Muhoroni and Kisumu West subcounties. Some people still violate the protocols.
“We have been educating residents to wear face masks, sanitise and keep social distance in the fight against the virus,” he said.
In Kisumu Central, more than 60 Covid-19 rules violators were arrested and charged. They were each fined Sh2,000 or 30 days in prison.
At a famous bar and restaurant in Kondele, the security team arrested 47 revellers who contravened Covid-19 protocols. One more person was arrested at another bar and restaurant.
Licences for both bars' were confiscated.
Another 19 defaulters were arrested by a multi-agency team comprising Kisumu Central subcounty security and intelligence committee led by John Cheruyiot.
