All kiosks operating miraa and muguka business in Laikipia County have been ordered to shut down with immediate effect, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
The decision was made on Wednesday after a joint emergency Response meeting, attended by Laikipia County Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and County Security team led by Laikipia County Commissioner Daniel Nyameti, at the County house, Nanyuki.
The miraa kiosks, especially in Nanyuki town are always crowded from morning to as late as 12.00, which poses a great threat to Laikipia residents as far as spreading the Covid-19 virus is concerned.
Last night Nanyuki police had to use tear gas to disperse a large number of miraa chewers and boda boda riders at the miraa kiosks situated at the main bus stop.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Governor Ndiritu Muriithi said Corona is very infectious and fatal and both the County and national government leadership has decided to put some stern measures to deal with the disease which is a great threat to mankind across the globe.
The Governor noted that people should accept that Covid-19 is already in Kenya and is no longer a story unfolding in a foreign country and urged Laikipians to adhere to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health.
“Desperate times calls for drastic measures, maintaining social distances by staying at home and washing hands with soaps are the only things that will delink us from the imminent death’’ the governor said.
He said the grim reality of the disease has not sunk in most people’s minds and it is so painful to see most Laikipians ignoring and flouting the directives issued to keep them safe from the virus.
“You can blame, insult, express indignation. Covid-19 does not care. You can get infected and you could die,’’ the governor told Laikipia residents.
He said the county has not reported any positive case by today but there are four cases that have been instructed to quarantine themselves for 14 days at home.
Laikipia County Commissioner Daniel Nyameti said that those who will contravene the Ministry of Health directives to Covid-19 will be arrested.
He called on all other leaders to join hands in fight against the spread of the virus within the County through following the guidance given by the government.
He said roadblocks manned by police officers have been mounted at entry points to Laikipia from the neighbouring counties of Meru, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Baringo, Isiolo, Nyeri and Samburu whereby Laikipia County health officers are taking temperatures of the travelers.
Those found with high temperatures are taken to the hospitals for further scrutiny.
The administrator urged the Nyumba Kumi teams in the village to be vigilant and report to the administration on people who flout the ministry of health and the County laid down regulations.
He said that National Government Administration and the police will implement the measures given by the ministry of health without fear.
