Luanda market will remain closed until Covid-19 measures are complied with, Vihiga county commissioner Ochillo Oyugi has said.
Oyugi said market traders had violated state regulations to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
“We have traders from Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Nandi and even Kakamega all coming there when we are not sure of their health status,” Oyugi said.
The state issued directives for social distancing, sanitising and wearing face masks to combat further spread of the virus. Vihiga has not registered any Covid-19 patients.
Oyugi told the Star on the phone that most parts of Vihiga had already complied with regulations but Luanda was yet to do so.
“Luanda was expected to be the first town to comply with state orders due to its position on the highway,” he said.
Vihiga has been listed among the counties that have the highest risk of contracting the virus.
Other counties include Siaya, Kitui, Kwale, Homa Bay, Kisii, Muranga’a and Uasin Gishu.
Oyugi said local politicians were inciting the traders not to comply with state orders for their political lifelines.
“No one is above the law. Incite the public to go against Covid-19 regulations at your peril,” Oyugi said. He said the government wants to protect the lives of the people.
The market is currently being mapped and marked for grocery traders.
(edited by o. owino)
