Kagwe speaks on Chinese nationals seen leaving the country

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe on Friday spoke on the hundreds of Chinese nationals who were seen at JKIA leaving the country.

Asked whether they knew something that Kenyans did not, Kagwe said their travel arrangements had been organized earlier and they are going back to their country.

The CS added that there was no need for alarm as Kenya was also doing the same in different countries.

“We are not concerned about the Chinese leaving Kenya… there is nothing they know that we do not know.

“They are free to do so. We are doing the same,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Transport PS Solomon Kitungu who said most of the Chinese who were seen at the airport were part of essential services.

“During this Covid season we have been allowing essential services. On the Chinese this was a matter that had been previously processed, it was an arranged flight,” he said.

On Friday, the country recorded 723 new positive cases taking the cumulative number to 303,959.

Unfortunately, 16 patients succumbed to the virus and Kagwe said even young people are losing their lives to Covid-19.

“From KNH, a 22-year-old lady passed away. From Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, a 37-year-old, 28-year-old & 24-year-old have died.

“This virus is not leaving anyone out. Do not think that being young, makes you an exemption. The 28-year-old had no underlying condition,” said Kagwe.

On a more positive note, there were 44 recoveries, taking the total number of recoveries to 8165.