Politicians should stop undermining war on Covid-19

In a classic case of preaching water and drinking wine, politicians violate every rule in the anti-Covid-19 manual, with impunity.

By the time coronavirus was detected in Kenya, it had killed thousands of people in China and Europe. It was, therefore, imperative that the government takes measures that would protect citizens from the ravages of the pandemic.

These included constant hand washing and sanitising, avoiding gatherings, wearing face masks and keeping social distance. Schools, companies, churches and social places had to be closed to enforce social distancing.

Unfortunately, politicians deliberately violate these rules. Not innocent of the charge is State House, where Jubilee has, on two occasions, held gatherings in excess of the directive that not more than 15 people should be found together. At least 40 leaders from Western, including Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who has been on the forefront urging citizens to wear masks and keep social distance, did not heed their own counsel when they met at the home of Francis Atwoli in Kajiado recently.

To date, more than 420,000 deaths from coronavirus have been recorded globally, with Kenya’s death toll standing at 100. With such statistics, leaders ought to be at the forefront ensuring rules are followed, not breaking them for political expediency as some have been seen to do.

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was last week captured on camera addressing a public rally in Shinyalu. Earlier, he had been photographed having lined up boda boda riders for handouts in Mumias. All must heed Health CS Mutahi Kagwe’s warning that if we treat coronavirus normally, it will treat us abnormally.