Varied reactions after President Uhuru’s directive to reopen Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera
- President directs that the cessation of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera be lifted
- Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera have been in lockdown as the government aimed to contain the prevalence of coronavirus in Kenya
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced the lifting of cessation of movement in and out of the counties.
The Head of State announced that the government had lifted the cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi effective 4.00 am, July 7.
The President noted that the nation was now at more risk that before as the counties will be reopened, a statement that has not augured well with sections of the country.
While economists will welcome the news as the transport industry has been adversely affected by the cessation directive, other were quick to point at the government leaving the citizens ‘on themselves.
The following are how Kenyans reacted on social media platforms:
I really hope I am wrong but lifting Cessation of Movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa will multiply the infections 10 times. I am really worried about our older folks in the countryside. Anyway what do I know ?
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) July 6, 2020
It’s good news from Mr. #PresidentUhuruKenyatta However, It remains our individual responsibility to protect ourselves, our families & those around us.
— Suzanna OWIYO – OGW (@SuzannaOwiyo) July 6, 2020
Sasa kila mtu ajichunge in the new normal. The age of Personal Responsibility.
— David Makali (@davidmakali1) July 6, 2020
The phased reopening of borders, places of worship and travel shifts responsibly squarely to every individual to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Rais amecheza kama yeye…sasa tucheze kama sisi. Tujichunge #COVID19KE
— Hon Gladys Wanga, CBS (@gladyswanga) July 6, 2020
We are DOOMED!…..I repeat We are DOOMED! NOW we are for sure headed to the Real worst & Dark Days ahead….!
“”‘We can revive an ailing economy but we can never bring back lost lives”””” no further comment from me!
#PresidentUhuruKenyatta pic.twitter.com/ZjEqhQ45QJ
— Collins Fredrick?? (@Coundo) July 6, 2020
The President did however issue a caveat indicating that the government would evaluate the numbers and act in line with that after 21 days.
“Should the situation deteriorate and pose a challenge to our health infrastructure, it shall be ‘clawed back’. In the next 21 days, we shall study patterns of interactions and the spread of the disease. Any trends that signal a worsening of the pandemic, we will have no choice but to return to the lock-down at zero-option.”
