Embakasi Central MP Gathiru Mwangi Among 34 Arrested Drinking in Nairobi

34 people, including Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi, have been arrested at an entertainment joint in Nairobi for defying social distancing directive.

MP Gathiru was apprehended on Saturday at Ruai Gardens along the Eastern Bypass alongside 18 others for flouting the directive meant to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease. The suspects were enjoying drinks at the popular entertainment joint.

Nairobi County Police Commander Phillip Ndolo said the suspects have been detained pending arraignment in court on Tuesday.

17 other people were also arrested at a birthday party in Nairobi’s Nyayo Estate on Saturday. Police were informed that the party had gone on for several days.

The group will be placed under mandatory 14-day quarantine after which they will be tested for Covid-19.

On Friday, a magistrate and a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldier were among 30 people nabbed at an unbridled party in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Police raided the bar after receiving a tip-off from members of the public and arrested the 30 revelers for flouting the government’s directives on social distancing. The party-goers were put in custody and will be paraded in court on Tuesday.

The government ordered the closure of all bars and nightclubs and banned all social gatherings as part of the measures to stem the spread of Covid-19.

In addition, the government imposed a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew and banned the movement of people in and out of Nairobi metropolis, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties. 

To protect themselves from contracting the illness, Kenyans have been asked to observe social distancing, wear face masks as well as wash their hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.