Governors in the North Rift have criticised the government for failing to take tough and decisive action to stop the spread of coronavirus.
They have warned that should the government continue to be soft on Kenyans, then the country should brace for the worst as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, the chairman of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), said a total ban on travel and waiving of taxes on sanitizers would help save the lives of Kenyans.
“Time has come for the national government to stop being soft and slow in taking critical decisions. If we don’t take the necessary measures to enforce prevention, then we will pay a heavier price,” Mandago said.
He said nations with huge capacities and strong healthcare systems like Italy and Spain had been overwhelmed by the coronavirus and Kenya should do everything possible not to slide into unmanageable situations.
Governors Patrick Khaemba of Trans Nzoia and his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang said Kenyans should stop taking the situation lightly and heed the government's call to remain at home.
“If we do what we are being told, then it won’t take long to be back to normalcy. But the way we are acting like it is business as usual, then matters could worsen,” he said.
Meanwhile, matatu operators in Eldoret are still defying the new measures requiring them to reduce the number of passengers.
Uasin Gishu county commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa said some operators have taken advantage of the directive to hike fares.
He said some matatu operators will lose their licences if they fail to comply with the measures.
Edited by A. Ndung'u
