• The CS clarified that he was not referring to people in the government as the 'cohort' spreading propaganda, but rather outsiders.
• In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kagwe had said, "...As a Kenyan, I too have been disappointed by leaders who fail us for reasons that span inefficiency to corruption. The allegations you are seeing are based on this trend: public skepticism and pessimism."
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has hit out at a 'cohort' out to disparage his name, adding that he has never done business with the government.
"I'm sure you have heard some even saying that my company got the contract for communication," he said on Friday during the daily Covid-19 briefing.
Kagwe is associated with Tell Em Ltd, a PR firm.
The Ministry of Health on Wednesday gave a breakdown of how it spent Sh1 billion received from the World Bank in the fight against Covid-19.
In its communications which includes advertising, the ministry has spent Sh70 million.
The CS, however, clarified that he was not referring to people in the government as the 'cohort' spreading propaganda, but rather outsiders.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kagwe had said, "...As a Kenyan, I too have been disappointed by leaders who fail us for reasons that span inefficiency to corruption. The allegations you are seeing are based on this trend: public skepticism and pessimism."
"I get it. And so I am here to let you know that among us is a cohort that believes in exploitation and that thinks that by spreading lies, innuendo and propaganda, I will be intimidated and worse, lose the trust of you - - the Kenyan - - who believes in our cause and my integrity."
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday said all funds used in the war on Covid-19 will be accounted for.
The President warned Kenyans against politicising the fight against the coronavirus.
"Let's stop politicising this coronavirus.. all the money that has been spent during this time shall be audited in broad day light so that Kenyans will be able to know how the money worked," he said.
This was after an uproar on social media on how the money was used.
Kenya on Friday recorded 15 new cases of Covid-19, raising the number to 411.
On a sad note, four new deaths were recorded, raising the number to 21.
Eleven of the new Covid-19 cases were from Mombasa, while a second case was recorded in Wajir.
Eight of the new cases are female, while seven are male.
There are now 15o recoveries after six more people were discharged.
A total of 1,434 samples were tested in the last 24 hours, marking a rise from the trend where less than 1,000 had been tested daily.
To date, 21,702 tests have been conducted.
On Labour Day, Kagwe delivered his speech differently, using computer slides instead of reading a hard copy.
He said graphics are easier to understand.
A document tabled before the Health Committee of the National Assembly chaired by Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege indicates Sh6.5 million had been set aside to procure stationery.
On Friday, the ministry started mass testing in Kawangware, where there are currently 13 cases.
Kawangware has the highest number of cases in Nairobi, followed by Eastleigh with 11.
Kilimani has six cases, while Kilieleshwa has five.
In Mombasa, Mvita is a hot spot with 36 cases.
Meanwhile, Kagwe said truck drivers will be tested in Mombasa.
The government has heightened surveillance along the border with Tanzania following rising cases of Covid-19 in the neighbouring country.
According to the World Health Organisation, Tanzania, which neighbours Kenya to the south, on Wednesday reported 180 new cases bringing the total to 480.
Tanzania now tops the list of the six East African community nations.
Kagwe reiterated that the government will not hesitate to close any eatery that fails to follow the strict protocols set out for reopening.
"And yo know that will be expensive for you," he said.
Kagwe said the government is catering for health workers' accommodation, including furnished units at KU.
"They are our responsibility," he said.
Kagwe said the cost of tests has been subsidised across the board to between Sh2,000-Sh4,000 and is no longer Sh10,000.
Eateries had been informed on Thursday that it would cost between Sh2,000-Sh4,000 to test their employees before resuming business.