Two MPs, Nyamira MCAs on the spot for violating Covid-19 rules

Some of the MCAs who were captured merrymaking at Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama's home in Nakuru after they were barred from going to Deputy President William Ruto's meeting at Karen in Nairobi. Most of the MCAs and guests violated Covid-19 regulations requiring social distancing and wearing of masks. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard].

Two Members of Parliament and members of the Nyamira County Assembly are on the spot after pictures and videos of them violating the Covid-19 regulations were circulated on social media.

The incident came into light only a day after the Assembly Speaker Moffat Teya announced the suspension of the House sittings after a case of Covid-19 was discovered in a member of its staff.

Teya was the one who led the legislators from Nyamira to Nakuru.

The group consisted of 23 individuals among them MCAs, Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama who hosted them. They were captured merrymaking at a place identified as Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama's residence on Tuesday night.

The politicians were captured eating and drinking an assortment of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages without adhering to social distancing and self-protection rules as required by the Ministry of Health.

The revellers could be seen without face masks and more than six individuals sharing the same tables.

The MCAs had been diverted to the venue to frustrate a meeting that was organised by Deputy President Dr William Ruto at his Karen home in Nairobi.

Bomwagamo Ward Rep Charles Barongo who was the Chairman of the delegation said the county legislators went to Nakuru to deliberately pass a message to Dr Ruto that they were not ready to support him in his Presidential bid.

"By resisting the DP's meeting, we wanted to pass a very strong political statement that we, as the representatives of the Gusii Community, are not political sell-outs and that we are all united behind our own son - Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'I,” said Barongo.

North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango) and Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba) who co-hosted the Karen meeting with Ruto condemned the politicians whom they said were setting a wrong precedent in the war against Covid-19.

"What kind of example do we serve as leaders when we are captured drinking alcohol in such a wanton manner? The concerned authorities have to do something to erase the notion of double standards in dealing with perpetrators of the Corona Virus prevention rules," Nyamoko said.

When contacted over the issue, Mr Arama said there was no violation of any public health regulations and that all was done according to the set protocols.

"We were vigilant with the laws and I am sure there is no one who went against the regulations," he said.