Warnings of a second wave of Covid-19 infections and the honouring of various heroes dominated yesterday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Leaders across the political class closed ranks to appeal to Kenyans to continue observing the containment measures put in place by the government to stop the spread of the virus.

The celebrations took place in various counties just days after the government, threatened to lockdown some of the devolved units following a sudden rise in infections.

Among the counties that are likely to be closed down are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kericho, Nakuru and Turkana.

In Kericho, residents were urged to seriously observe health protocols in order to contain the rising cases of infections.

County Commissioner Karungo Kamau, who spoke at Kericho Green Stadium, asked residents to follow the Ministry of Health’s directives to the letter, in order to win the war against Covid-19.

Disregarding protocols

Kamau further advised residents against attending burial and political meetings that draw large crowds, as it was very hard to adhere to the health protocols like social distancing and hand washing.

“Such are the likely places where social distance is hard to observe, hence fertile grounds that can trigger Covid-19 infections,” he elaborated.

Governor Paul Chepkwony said the county’s death toll as a result of the infection stands 11.

Prof Chepkwony said so far 485 positive cases have been reported in the county, among them 45 healthcare personnel, who have been in the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.

 “I would not like to see the county placed under lockdown since it would mean curtailing our business and the economy would suffer greatly,” he said.

Adding: “Kindly wash hands, sanitise, wear facemasks, practice social-distancing, refrain from boarding overloaded Public Service Vehicles and avoid unnecessary travelling to stem the spread of the disease,” he added.

In Trans Nzoia, politicians were also put on notice for disregarding protocols that the Ministry of Health had put in place after the county registered 427 cases.

County Commissioner Sam Ojwang said the government would not sit and watch political leaders flout Covid-19 rules.

Political chaos

“We are not going to hesitate to take legal action against politicians who are on the frontline in disrupting set guidelines in fighting the virus,” he warned.

In Nakuru and Machakos counties, several heroes were honoured during yesterday’s celebrations.

In Nakuru , former President Moi’s press Secretary Lee Njiru topped the list of seven prominent personalities who will be honoured by having some key streets named after them.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kihingo in Njoro sub-county, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said his administration appreciates locals who offer exemplary service to the society in their different capacities.

“Lee Njiru is a long serving civil servant and worked closely with the late President Moi.

He exhibited professionalism and consistency in the journalism profession and therefore he is a key mentor and role model to many people,” he said.

Also honoured is legendary athlete Paul Tergat and businessmen Moses Kamonye and Caleb Kiarie. Tergat is the current president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

In Machakos, two heroes were feted for their exemplary service to humanity during the celebrations that took place at St Mary’s Primary School.

The celebrations were led by Machakos County Commissioner Fredrick Ndunga. 

In the list is 86-year-old Richard Matheka who served as Yatta MP during Jomo Kenyatta’s era.

In Mandera, issues of insecurity and organised crimes dominated the event with leaders asking area residents to help them deal with the vices.

County commissioner Onesmus Kyatha cautioned the youth against crossing over to Somalia to join the Al Shabaab.

Governor Ali Roba condemned the Murang’a political chaos where two people died three weeks ago as Deputy President William Ruto toured Kenol township.

And in Mombasa, Governor Hassan Joho castigated Ruto over his “hustler vis-a-vis dynasties” narrative saying such ideologies would only polarise the country.

“It is so wrong for a leader to play with the emotions of the people for his self political gains.

The rich versus the poor rhetoric is dangerous for this country and must be stopped,”he said.