Covid-19: Sonko Orders City ‘Kanjo’ to Stop Arresting Lawbreakers

Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has ordered city askaris, popularly known as ‘Kanjo’, to suspend the arrest of lawbreakers until further notice.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sonko said the move is aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus and directed Acting County Secretary Justus Kathenge to implement the directive immediately.

Sonko further said that the fact that operations of all courts of law have been suspended means those arrested cannot be arraigned within 24 hours as is required by the law.

“Furthermore, many suspects are held in county vehicles for long periods of time before arraignment, and that environment violates WHO guidelines on exposure to Covid-19,” noted Sonko.

He however stated that the Nairobi City County Government Inspectorate and Enforcement officers will remain on duty to ensure county laws are followed.

Kenya has so far confirmed three cases of Covid-19. The first patient was a 27-year-old student who came back from the United States on March 5th while the other two tested positive after they came into contact with her.

The three patients are receiving medication at Kenyatta National Hospital and are all in stable condition, according to the Ministry of Health.