700 Kenyan Youths Busted Holding Political Meeting at Maanzoni Lodge Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

Police in Athi River are holding over 700 youths who were busted holding a meeting at Maanzoni Lodge on Tuesday in contravention of the government’s ban on all gatherings over coronavirus.

The group had converged at the popular conferencing facility to strategize for what is said to be 2022 presidential campaigns, according to reports.

The hotel’s manager Chris Musau and a youth leader were arrested and booked to the Athi River police station.
 
Machakos County Commissioner Esther Maina said the meeting had been scheduled before the government issued a directive prohibiting all gatherings to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Police learned the youths were to undergo online training during the meeting that was thwarted after authorities received a tip-off.

 “We went there and confirmed they were meeting and arrested the manager and the group’s leader. They flouted the Public Health Act and we intend to take action on the manager and the leader of the group,” said Maina.

The 720 people are being detained at the lodge with Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe declaring the hotel a quarantine center. He said the group will be tested for Covid-19 before being released.