Kenyatta fears lockdown would lead to hunger

Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta, has, for the time being, ruled out putting the country into complete lockdown, over fears such a measure would lead to widespread hunger.

He did, however, say if Kenyans failed to follow the directives that have already been issued, then he wold be forced to implement harsher measures to restrict the spread of the virus.

State House’s Twitter page wrote “President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans to strictly adhere to protocols set out by the Ministry of Health so as to stem the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

“The President said measures so far taken by the Government are aimed at ensuring citizens continuing with their lives in the wake of the fast spreading infectious disease”.

On Monday, the president introduced a ban on all movement in and out of the capital, Nairobi, and three other coastal areas where the virus has been prevalent, including Mombasa.

The travel restrictions have left hundreds of commuters stranded in the capital, unable to leave to get home as they tried to beat the curfew.

Kenya has so far confirmed 158 positive cases of the coronavirus, and six deaths.

Photo: Twitter/State House Kenya