Police Ordered to Arrest Kenyans over Improper Wearing of Facemasks

Police have received instructions to arrest Kenyans for not wearing facemasks properly. 

As part of the measures to contain the transmission of Covid-19, the government made it mandatory for Kenyans to wear facemasks in public with those found flouting the order risking a fine of Sh20,000 or a jail-term of up to six months or both.

Police say Kenyans have developed a behavior of sagging facemasks on the neck or pulling them below the nose even when in public spaces, putting themselves at risk of transmitting or contracting the disease. 

Head of Police Operations Henry Barmao in a circular dated May 15th directed field officers to arrest anyone found wearing a facemask without covering their mouth and nose.

“Similarly, mount roadblocks to ensure no movement of vehicles and persons after the commencement of 7 pm curfew hours, except those exempted and listed as essential service providers,” part of the circular reads.

“All vehicles and persons found violating the orders to be detained and charged with contravening curfew orders. Submit daily returns on the same.” 

As of Monday, May 18th, there were 912 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kenya, out of which 336 have fully recovered and 50 have lost their lives.