• The President, however, extended the nationwide curfew currently in place between 9pm and 4am by another 30 days.
• "By reopening Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera, we are more at risk than we were when the restrictions were in place," he said during an address on Monday.
Image: PSCU
Kenyans are divided after President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted the cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi effective July 7.
Uhuru, during a national address on Monday, said that should the situation deteriorate and pose a challenge to health infrastructure, the phased reopening of the country will be reviewed.
But this did not sit well with some Kenyans who claimed that the reopening was a reckless move.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said that Uhuru should have not opened the counties despite pressure.
"Cessation of Movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa is a BIG MISTAKE," he tweeted.
I really hope I am wrong but lifting Cessation of Movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa will multiply the infections 10 times. I am really worried about our older folks in the countryside. Anyway what do I know ?
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) July 6, 2020
Here are other reactions:
Mr. Chairman: I believe you meant to say that 'lifting cessation' is a big mistake. See,
— Silas Chepkeres Jakakimba (@silasjakakimba) July 6, 2020
The President makes critical decisions at these times premised on Security Sector/ Intelligence, Treasury but importantly, Health Experts/Sector Reports - cognisant of the need for balance.
That is your own thinking, we don't have 2 sets of citizens in Kenya, let everyone move freely in and out of Nrb & Mbsa and not politicians only.
— Keen Observer (@DavidKE2017) July 6, 2020
The decision was informed by expert's opinion and not based on your wishful opinion.
You can move around in choppers but you don't want Kenyans to go back to work.
— Emmanuel Kwoma (@EmmanuelKwoma) July 6, 2020
Shame on you!
Thank you #PresidentUhuruKenyatta for lifting movement restrictions within counties. It was long overdue
— Suzanna OWIYO - OGW (@SuzannaOwiyo) July 6, 2020
The phased reopening of borders, places of worship and travel shifts responsibly squarely to every individual to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Rais amecheza kama yeye...sasa tucheze kama sisi. Tujichunge #COVID19KE
— Hon Gladys Wanga, CBS (@gladyswanga) July 6, 2020
We are DOOMED!.....I repeat We are DOOMED! NOW we are for sure headed to the Real worst & Dark Days ahead....!
— Collins Fredrick🇰🇪 (@Coundo) July 6, 2020
""'We can revive an ailing economy but we can never bring back lost lives"""" no further comment from me!
#PresidentUhuruKenyatta pic.twitter.com/ZjEqhQ45QJ
As #PresidentUhuruKenyatta lifts movement restrictions in & out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi & Mandera from tomorrow morning at 4am, there is Danger lurking in the Hope. Florida, California, South Korea & Israel show that such liftings lead to new waves of COVID-19.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) July 6, 2020
On my to Nairobi! Thank you jayden! Sasa curfew tu ndio imebaki #PresidentUhuruKenyatta pic.twitter.com/Rxmz2rYJzX
— Lion muigai (@MohMuigai) July 6, 2020
The President, however, extended the nationwide curfew currently in place between 9pm and 4am by another 30 days.
"By reopening Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera, we are more at risk than we were when the restrictions were in place," he said during an address on Monday.
He said the order will only bear fruit, if Kenyans exercise shared responsibility.
"My intention is to reopen and to remain open. The ‘claw back’ option is not on my wish list at all," he added.
Uhuru has previously hinted at lifting the restrictions imposed since March. However, on Saturday, he warned of worse times ahead for the country.