20 fined Sh20,000 for covid law fault

More than 20 people arrested in a Nyeri entertainment joint for flouting public health regulations have been ordered to pay a Sh20,000 fine or do community service for one month.

The 20 were convicted on their own plea of guilty as Nyeri MCA Paul Kanyari (pictured) who was arrested alongside two of his colleagues, pleaded not guilty.

The Rware MCA was charged with contravening control measures against Covid-19 spread and consumption of alcohol illegally.

The MCA and his co-accused were arrested on April 17, holed up in a residential house at King’ong’o sampling assorted brands of alcohol and meat while sitting close to one another.

Government ordered bars and entertainment joints to remain closed during the coronavirus scare.

“I was at the premise to pick up a take-away meal when police suddenly arrested me,” Kanyari said before Nyeri Chief Magistrate's court. "I am not at all guilty."

The prosecution unsuccessfully petitioned for a mandatory 14-day quarantine for the MCA at the Wambugu farm.

They argued the measure would serve as an example of how standing members of society would be dealt with if they broke laws made to stop spread of the Covid-19.

Chief magistrate Wendy Kagendo entered a plea of not guilty for the MCA and set the hearing of the case for Thursday.

Police were tipped off by residents of King’ong’o area that the MCA had congregated with friends at the La Cuisine Guest House.