Governor Ali Hassan Joho’s recent threat to arrest Mombasa residents for failing to turn up for mass testing was boldly defied.
The Ministry of Health kicked off mass testing in Mombasa and Nairobi on Saturday, May 2, in a bid to flatten the Covid-19 curve in the two hotspots.
Residents of the Coastal town, however, failed to come out in large numbers to get tested with some citing fear of the mode of testing.
“We will not get tested, I’m not sick what are you testing me for, I will be inserted the thing till my brain. Who are you to test me, you don’t have your certificates and I don’t even know where you practised medicine.
“Joho and his team should go to Makadara. If we see those things being inserted into their noses then we will follow suit,” said an Old Town resident.
A resident also claimed that the Covid-19 funds were being mismanaged.
“The government is not clear, money has been set aside for the benefit of poor residents.
“But it is being embezzled by them then we are told to go get tested. Will you sort out your tummy first or you’ll go get tested?”
As of Sunday, May 3, 19 tested positive for Covid-19 in Mombasa while two people were reported dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to 24 in the country.
A video doing rounds on social media showed a large number of people gathered around a table to break their fast without adhering to social distancing directive.
Joho breathed fire on Saturday, May 2, as people ignored the plea to get tested.
“If you think you won’t be tested, be ready.
“You will be tested, my friend. Now we are bringing it to your doorsteps and it is free. There will be a time you will pay for it. So take advantage of this opportunity and get tested,” Joho pronounced.
Old Town with over 18,000 residents has recorded the most cases in Mombasa.
