The Inspector-General (IG) of Police Hillary Mutyambai has warned Kenyans that they will part with a Sh20,000 fine if found without a face mask in public.
The police boss revealed this on Monday morning during his weekly #EngageTheIG tweet chat, an initiative he launched to make his office accessible and accountable to the public through digital communication platforms.
“Being in public without a mask attracts a fine of Ksh. 20,000. However, all officers are to enforce this within the law and no one is allowed to use excessive force while implementing this directive. In case of any proof, share with my office, IAU [Internal Affairs Unit] or IPOA [Independent Policing Oversight Authority] for action,” Mutyambai said.
He said police officers are under instructions to strictly enforce Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines and regulations, including the wearing of masks in public.
“All police officers should identify themselves, even then the police have been authorized to enforce strict adherence to the @MOH_Kenya Covid-19 guidelines including wearing masks in public places. Finally do not offer or give any bribes to anyone,” said in response to a question about police harassing members of the public.
However, the directive presents a Catch-22 situation for the authorities because those who will be arrested for not wearing masks risk spreading or contracting the virus if they are put in police cells where social distancing may prove problematic.
On charges of laxity over enforcement of health protocols during public gatherings, the IG said it would be impractical to effect mass arrests.
“We continue to urge the public to take personal responsibility as Covid-19 numbers continue to rise, the Police can not arrest everyone because then we will simply transfer the burden of social distancing to the cells. It boils down to personal responsibility,” the police boss said.
Governors, who are worried over the worsening Covid-19 situation in the counties, had fingered Mutyambai over alleged laxity in the enforcement of containment rules.
The county bosses said they are concerned about politicians who are defying MOH protocols in public rallies, a possible weak link the fight against coronavirus.
