One Kenya Alliance fault Covid-19 measures as punitive

One Kenya Alliance principals yesterday met to deliberate the future of their pact and the Covid-19 containment measures.

The leaders are reported to have discussed their unity and the economic impact of the pandemic on Kenyans.

In a meeting that began at 11:30am at Ford Kenya leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula’s Karen residence, the leaders are said to have underscored the need to accelerate Covid-19 vaccination exercise to ensure vulnerable groups were reached.

They called on the government to ensure that basic commodities are affordable and readily available.

The meeting that ran up 2pm brought together Wetang’ula, Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, Baringo Senator and Kanu chair Gideon Moi and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

One Kenya Alliance Principals from left Kanu Chairman and Baringo senator Gideon Moi, ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi,Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Ford Kenya party Leader Moses Wetangula.

Mudavadi said they discussed the rising Covid-19 cases and encouraged Kenyans to take the containment measures seriously.

“We met to assess the current Covid-19 crisis in the country and how the positivity rate can come down.

"We are concerned that the number of infections and deaths have been going up drastically,” said Mudavadi.

He said there was a need  to scale up vaccination exercise so that more Kenyans can be out of risk.

Kenya received over one million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through the global COVAX facility last month.

The first beneficiaries include frontline workers such as healthcare professionals, teachers and security personnel.

He said they also deliberated on the impact of the containment measures on the economy and how they could advise the government on improving the situation of millions of Kenyans affected by the curfew and partial lockdown.

“We are concerned that Kenyans are losing jobs, people’s properties are being auctioned and Kenyans are suffering because of the pandemic.

"There is a need to bring down the positivity rate quickly so that people can go back to their normal lives,” said Mudavadi.

Insiders said the leaders also explored ways of working with other like-minded leaders.

“We want to be all-inclusive. Those ready to work with us for the good of the country are welcome,” said an MP who did not want be quoted.

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta banned all movement by road, rail or air to and from five most affected counties of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu and Nakuru until further notice after the Covid-19 infection rate jumped from two per cent to 22 per cent between January and March.

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