Kenya’s coronavirus confirmed cases have climbed to 15 after Health Secretary Mutahi Kagwe an additional 8 cases amid terse warning for Kenyans to prepare for full blow infections that would occasion a total lockdown in the coming days.
The new patients comprise five Kenyans, two French nationals and a Mexican. They have since been isolated 363 other persons who came in contact with the 8 are being traced.
In a sneak preview of the country’s lockdown, Mr Kagwe announced that all international passenger flights will be suspended from March 25. Only cargo flights will operate on condition that their crew must observe strict safety guidelines.
So far JKIA, the country’s main airport remains the only source of infections for the initial 15 cases.
The development came as Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi, who had traveled to Germany, defied the self quarantine order and was forced put on a mandatory quarantine of 14 days after which he will be charged in line with the Public Health Act.
His boss Amason Kingi, who came into contact with him, has since put himself on self-quarantine.
“Mr Kagwe has attracted huge admiration from the public in the manner he has been delivering the daily briefs on the evolving coronavirus. “CS Mutahi Kagwe is a breath of fresh air. He has re-defined what it means to be in charge of the moment. Sharing information and facing facts is one way for us to take this matter seriously”, said Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior on his Twitter account.
“CS Mutahi Kagwe is doing an excellent job. Leading well during a crisis. This is how it should be!”, said the Mohamed Wehliye, a Saudi Arabia based Kenyan banker said.