Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has cautioned Kenyans on travelling in or out of the red zones during the Easter holiday.
Speaking today, he pointed out that individuals within the five counties that are on lockdown will not be allowed access to the other 42 counties.
Mutyambai emphasised that 33 roadblocks have been set up within the five counties: Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado and Nakuru to limit the travels as well as ensure COVID-19 protocols are strictly adhered to.
“…these roadblocks will be manned day and night to ensure total compliance with the president’s directives,” he said.
The roadblocks will be managed by security officers who will exclusively allow essential services providers in and out of the vulnerable counties. A total of 3,000 prison warders have also been organised, “As we speak, commissioner-general for prisons has released 3,000 officers to provide security during this season,” he remarked.
Mutyambai has urged police officers to follow a soft approach which is more appropriate as we face this COVID-19 pandemic. Kenyans on the other hand have been asked to report cases of people going against MOH protocols.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on March 26, 2021, ordered indefinite cessation of Movement in and out of the 5 counties as a result of a rise in the number of coronavirus infections.
It was later cleared up by government Spokesperson Rtd. Col. Cyrus Oguna that cases of individuals seeking treatment within the zoned areas will be addressed on a case by case basis.
He added that those travelling for burial purposes will require a permit from the nearest police station.
However, individuals residing in the five counties are allowed to move within the five counties, “Kindly note that the Cessation of Movement is in and out of the 5 counties (Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado) as One Zoned Area. You can therefore move freely within the five counties. You will not however be able to leave and enter the One Zoned Area,” the President’s Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita said.
Over the years, Christians have marked Easter celebrations by going to church and travelling. COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the celebrations this year as in-person worshipping was suspended indefinitely. All the measures that have been in place currently are to ensure the safety of everyone during this Easter season.
By Everlyne Bosibori
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