President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday heaped praises on
Kenya’s first Coronavirus patient Brenda, who has since recovered.
Through a video call, the President lauded her for her
bravery and sense of responsibility in handling her condition.
The President also hit out at established leaders who knew
they had travelled abroad but refused to self-quarantine,
“There is no single death that can be attributed to your
infection, Brenda. This is unlike others who did not want to quarantine, and
ended up infecting numerous other people.
“The people, who infected others were older than you, were
leaders, and should have known better,” said President Kenyatta.
Further, the Head of State asked all Kenyans who have
COVID-19 symptoms to come forth and get tested saying it would save many lives.
“Follow Brenda and Brian’s example…We can contain the
disease. We can treat it and get out of it.
“There is no stigma in telling Kenyans that you have a
problem. Isolate yourself as these wonderful kids have,” said the President.
Brenda, who was initially referred to as patient one, said
she started feeling unwell three days after she arrived in the country from the
US via London.
She added that she developed a cough and after a day of
monitoring her symptoms, she presented herself to Mbagathi Hospital.
“Three days after I arrived in Kenya [on March 5], I felt
unwell, and suspected that something was wrong. On the fourth day, I took
myself to Mbagathi Hospital, where I was tested and confirmed to be coronavirus
positive.
“I have been in quarantine for 23 days, and while at the
hospital, I received proper treatment. I urge Kenyans, who suspect that they
have contracted the disease to come forward, get tested and be confident that
doctors would help them heal,” said Brenda.
On his part, Brian said: “I caught the virus from contacting
Brenda. Immediately [after] Brenda’s results came out, they [health officers]
came for me, and took me to a government facility, where I was tested and
results returned positive.
“[I was consequently put in quarantine, and under medication]. As a result of that treatment, I am happy I have recovered. I am telling Kenyans that coronavirus is real, and Kenyans should take precaution,” said Brian.
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