Uhuru Bans Public Gatherings

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Friday, March 12, banned all political public gatherings for a period of 30 days, effective the date of his address.

In the first Public Order of 2021, he ordered police officers to ensure that the directive is enforced, regardless of social status.

"Cognizant that the propagation of the coronavirus disease within our borders has been fuelled by political gatherings and large social gatherings, I direct that all forms of political gatherings are and 8 are hereby prohibited for a period of 30 days, effective midnight on this 12th March 2021.

"Whoever breaks the directive to not hold political rallies, including myself, will be dealt with according to the law," he stated.

Uhuru added that only a third of the maximum capacity will be allowed in worship ceremonies.

"On funerals, they shall be conducted strictly within 72 hours after death. Attendees were limited to 100 for both funerals and weddings," he directed. 

Uhuru however added that Kenya's economy is likely to grow by 7% in 2021 owing to restrictions implemented in 2020. 

He further called upon the Cabinet Secretary for Transport jointly with Cabinet Secretary Health to develop revised protocols for public transport in consultation with all stakeholders in the transport sector,

"We have developed a culture of civic responsibility, the government will do its part to protect Kenyans but the first line of defense is the people," he noted.

The Ministry of Health was also directed to enhance and enforce border health security especially on informal entry points.

"Kenya is entering a critical phase in the management and control of the pandemic. The vaccines that arrived have been tested and our own medical experts are persuaded that its safety profile is bankable," Uhuru added.