Politicians a threat to health of nation

Politicians have been fingered as the weak link in the fight against coronavirus  disease.

Experts have repeatedly warned this class that it could derail the gains made against the pandemic. 

The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation came up with guidelines on keeping the virus at bay.

And they are simple steps. Wear a mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid crowds and keep physical and social distance. 

If these steps are followed to the letter, then the country could manage the pandemic.

In the recent past, however, there has been an increase in the number of infections. So bad is the case that several county assemblies have been forced to close down.

The rise in infections has forced some county governments to shut their doors.

The number of people who died in October are a third of all Covid-19 deaths registered in the country.

In the same month heightened political activities were witnessed in all corners of the country.

On one hand the so-called ‘Hustler movement’ is busy popularising their agenda; the Building Bridges Initiative proponents are also doing rounds marketing their proposals.

Images and footages from these political rallies make one want to cringe. Politicians shaking hands with all and sundry, no face masks on the politicians and on the attendees.

There is no social distancing with the crowds and politicians jostling for the little available space.

The National Security Advisory Council came up with a raft of measures meant to ensure such gatherings observe the ministry’s protocols.

But no sooner had the ink dried than the same politicians broke the rules. Governors are calling on the President to rein in such politicians.

That politicians cannot play by the book is obvious. It is equally indisputable that Covid-19 spikes witnessed recently are as a result of such reckless behaviour.

Government has warned that hospitals are full and any new infections cannot be properly handled because of the strain on the facilities.

Coincidentally, none of the politicians faces such challenges; it is the public that suffers from these elements.

The leaders have insurance and extra resources to even seek medical attention outside the country.

We are asking these leaders to stop such activities. We call on Kenyans to put their lives first.

The government must also rein in such thoughtless leaders. Let us all keep the novel coronavirus at bay.