By David Musundi
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has asked the government to direct its focus on Kenyans living in the slums as the country grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic which he says may have far reaching implications if not seriously handled.
The MP said the government’s measures to tackle the pandemic should not only take into consideration the varying levels of need, especially those of vulnerable populations in the country but have others facing starvation in slums taken care of.
Speaking to the People Daily Thursday after donating assorted consignments of foodstuffs to be distributed to his constituents which has the largest slums, Amisi said he was deeply concerned by the practicability of the health measures put in place, adding that the measures had blatant disconnection with the reality of some sections of the population.
He said the densely populated informal settlements of Matisi, Kipsongok, Mitume and Shanti may not be able to follow the ministry of health’s guidelines “even if their lives depended on it” owing to the structural challenges in the slums.
The MP faulted the government for its failure to take preventive measures early, arguing that the restriction on movement and observation of the health guidelines including mass testing could pose financial disability and starvation for a majority of Kenyans.
