The government has banned counties from holding any parallel celebrations during this year’s Jamhuri Day holiday which will take place on December 12.

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho said the government had held consultative meetings with experts who advised that if the events are held in the counties there will be a surge of Covid-19 infections.

This comes at a time when the region is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 infections especially after Uganda announced on Tuesday, December 7 that it had recorded at least seven cases of Omicron variant.

The Omicron variant is dangerous as it has more than 30 mutations, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“No county will be allowed to hold any celebrations due to the new Covid-19 variant known as Omicron. We came to this agreement after holding meetings with senior advisors on matters Covid-19,” he said.

Last week, Kibicho said that a total of 11,000 guests had been invited to the main event that will take place at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

Those who will not be able to attend the event, can also follow the proceedings live on television.