Lockdown looming as Kisumu leads in Covid-19 infections

KISUMU – Kisumu could be placed on lock down after the Lakeside city overtook Nairobi in the number of Covid-19 infections.

The County has been alternating with Nairobi at number one cases of Covid-19 infections per day over the last two weeks.

The Ministry of Health during the Friday May 28 briefing announced new cases where the distribution across the countries was: Nairobi 77, Siaya 68, Kisumu 53, Mombasa 14, Bungoma 13, Busia and Uasin Gishu 12 cases each, Nakuru and Homa Bay 11 cases each, Kisii 9, Garissa 8, Kiambu and Nyeri 7 cases each.

The cases in other counties were: Embu 6, Murang’a 5, Makueni 4, Kericho 3, Baringo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Trans Nzoia and Turkana 2 cases each, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Machakos, Nandi, Narok and Taita Taveta 1 case each.

On Thursday, Kisumu recorded 57 out of the total 341 new cases that Kenya recorded on Thursday May 27, as Nairobi followed closely with 48 new infections.

Kisumu recorded 67 cases while Nairobi had 111 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o said residents especially in Kisumu town were openly defying Covid-19 protocols by boarding over-loaded matatus and crammed in bars.

The Governor added that some people still wore their masks on the chin instead of covering their nose and mouth as per the World Health Organisation.

He added that the rules and protocols put in place by the County multi-agency team were in force and those caught in violation the protocols would be dealt with.

This comes even as Kisumu plans to host Madaraka Day celebrations Tuesday next week in the event that will attract about 3000 people at the 35,000 capacity Jomo Kenyatta Sports Complex.

Another 10,000 people each will be accommodated at Kirembe and Owuor grounds where the event will be streamed on big screens.

Three weeks ago, the highly transmissible Indian variant of Covid-19 was detected in the county but according to Governor Nyong’o no new cases have been reported since.

Acting Director General in the Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth said the five cases were Indian nationals who came into the country just before a ban was placed on all flights from India.