Kakamega County government has ordered the closure of all public mortuaries as a measure of reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission.
Speaking on Monday, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya asked locals to collect their kins’ bodies from Kakamega County mortuaries for immediate burial.
The governor, who announced that his county has set aside Sh110 million for the containment of coronavirus, said the mortuaries will remain closed for 30 days.
However, Oparanya waived all mortuary fees in bid to encourage residents to collect their relatives’ bodies.
Further, the Kakamega county chief also banned boda boda operators and open-air markets.
But bars and restaurants in the Western Kenya county will continue operations with the closing time set for 11 pm every day.
Mr. Oparanya said he will organize a meeting with religious leaders to chart the way forward in wake of the national government urging Kenyans to avoid mass gatherings, especially churches, funeral gatherings (matanga) and weddings.
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala asked the National Transport and Safety Authority to suspend the use of boda boda helmits over fears they may spread the deadly coronavirus.
Further, Senator Malala urged the national government to release funds to the counties to effect coronavirus containment measures.
