Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has criticized President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to announce new Covid-19 guidelines including a lockdown in five counties without including an economic stimulus package.
According to Senator Omanga, the move by the President is ‘immoral’ considering that imposing a lockdown has dire economic effects on Kenyans.
For instance, long distance matatus have been affected as they can longer access the city. This means that some people will be rendered jobless. The same apples to several other companies that are expected to lay off their workers due to the new measures.
“The president slapped Kenyans with lockdown but failed to accompany it with relief measures. This is unbelievably immoral,” Omanga tweeted.
Unlike the previous lockdown when the Head of State announced an economic stimulus, this time round he did not announce any package, only stating that the measures will impact the economy negatively, but that is better than losing lives.
"Whereas the foregoing measures will have adverse effects on our economy … I am personally convinced that the cost of not acting now would be so much greater," the Head of State said.
Some of the measures announced include; a lockdown in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, and Kajiado counties. According to the Head of State, the above-mentioned counties are infected areas and therefore movement in and out of the counties is restricted.
The Head of State also directed the in person worship congregation has been suspended in the above mentioned counties until otherwise. Worship in the other counties shall continue in accordance with the set guidelines.
Physical learning across the country has been suspended immediately other than candidates sitting for exams and those in training at medical institutions.
Operation of bars in the 5 counties and the sale of alcohol in the counties has been banned. Restaurants and hotels will only provide takeaways. In other counties, they shall continue but follow MoH guidelines.
