By Samuel Ouma
Thousands of Kenyans celebrated on Wednesday, only hours after President Uhuru Kenyatta abolished the twilight to dawn curfew.
The curfew enforced in March of last year was one of the Covid-19 containment measures implemented by President Kenyatta’s administration.
His Excellency Kenyatta declared the end of curfew during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kirinyaga, central Kenya. He added that the decision was made due to the country’s decreasing COVID-19 infection rate.
“I have noted with much appreciation that the surge of infection has declined over the last two weeks as characterised by the positivity rate of below 5% that has been registered over this period,” stated Kenyatta.
Following the news, thousands of Kenyans crowded social media channels, applauding Kenyatta for taking lifting curfew.
Some of them joked that they would vote for him again to lead the country.
Kenyatta’s term expires next year in August, and he is not eligible to vie again.
“Another five years for President, “ said Fafa Mukuru.
Some also thanked President Kenyatta for listening to Kenyans’ concerns. Many people have been lobbying Kenya’s President to relax the curfew in recent months, arguing that it affects many businesses.
“Thank you Mr President for listening to the pleas of many hardworking Kenyans. This is a good step towards opening up the economy & giving a life line to the businesses/sectors that have suffered during this period,” said ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi.
“Thank you Mr President for respecting science & lifting,” stated Dr. Githinji Gitahi.
Meanwhile, President Kenyatta called on Kenyans to adhere to the COVID-19 containment measures even as the government works on fully reopening the economy.
“It is important for all of us to appreciate that we are not yet out of the woods and we must therefore continue to observe the containment measures as directed by the Ministry of Health as this is the only way to sustain the gains we are making and guarantee the full reopening of the economy,” added Kenyatta.
