Ford Kenya has accused the government of applying double standards in the enforcement of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Party leader Senator Moses Wetang'ula said it was shameful that police officers stopped a Ford-K meeting, which had brought together less that 20 members in Busia town on Sunday.
“The party condemns in the strongest terms possible the harassment of its officials in Busia by the National Police Service officers and the subsequent disruption of the meeting in Busia town,” Wetang'ula said.
In a statement, the Bungoma senator said local police bosses forcefully stopped the meeting despite those in attendance observing Covid-19 regulations.
“In the past one month, as a nation we have witnessed several political activities and rallies spearheaded by senior government officials, including President Uhuru Kenyatta among other senior politicians, and attended by thousands of people with no regard to Covid-19 regulations,” he said.
The Bungoma senator said it was disgraceful and barbaric for police to micromanage politics by selectively deciding which party and individuals should hold activities.
“We, therefore, call upon the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to ensure their officers uphold full observance of our constitutional rights more so ‘freedom of association and assembly’ as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution,” he added.
On September 9 evening, Uhuru toured Ruaka and a large crowd in their hundreds convened to listen to him.
A video that circulated on social media showed Uhuru engaging a crowd that had many people without face masks and not observing physical distancing.
A day later, Deputy President William Ruto toured Kisii where he held a public meeting.
The DP was welcomed by locals who cheered all the way to the ground where he addressed them.
ODM leader Raila Odinga held a rally in Taita Taveta to solidify his party support.
In all these meetings, Covid-19 measures were not observed.
The Ministry of Health has been calling upon Kenyans to wear masks, sanitise, keep social distance, and adhere to the night curfew to reduce the spread of the virus.
Edited by EKibii
