Nine people were arrested in Malaba town on Wednesday after being found in a hotel at 9pm.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday ordered eateries to operate up to 7pm as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The nine, according to Teso North deputy county commissioner Justus Musau, will be arraigned to answer to charges of flouting Covid-19 rules.
“The subcounty security committee has taken it upon itself to restore order,” Musau said on phone.
“They will be arraigned for breaking government rules on Covid-19.”
Among those arrested is the owner of the hotel and eight customers who were found having dinner in the establishment.
Musau said the operation to arrest people breaking guidelines issued by the Health ministry will continue across Teso North.
He said people will be arrested irrespective of their status in society.
In the new regulations issued on Monday, Uhuru ordered that there shall be no sale of alcohol in restaurants and eateries for 30 days, effective midnight Monday.
All bars will be closed indefinitely, he said, adding that those that don't adhere will have their licences permanently withdrawn.
Hotels and other food serving joints are among businesses the government is closely monitoring in the fight against coronavirus spread.
Besides closing at 7pm, hotels and restaurants are expected to ensure all customers before being served have face masks. They are also expected to ensure there is clean running water and soap for clients to wash their hands.
The eateries are also supposed to pin notices on their walls highlighting some of the key practices that customers should follow to limit spread of the virus.
“Our concern is the surge of infections among young Kenyans, affecting their elders. If someone enters your business, and you own the business, if he has no mask, insist that they wear one,” Uhuru said.
He said Kenyans should know that the country was facing abnormal times.
“Let us not think that we are special. Please, let us not follow examples we have seen across the world.”
Edited by Henry Makori
