Kisumu market closed amid coronavirus fears

Kibuye Market in Kisumu closed over coronavirus pandemic, on March 22, 2020. PHOTO | RUSHDIE OUDIA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Police on Sunday used teargas to disperse traders at Kibuye Market in Kisumu County, which Governor Anyang' Nyong'o ordered closed to prevent spread of the coronavirus.

Governor Nyong'o closed all open-air markets and suspended market days so as to adhere to the national government's directive that people should maintain a social distance of one metre.

The market, frequented by traders from different counties, was characterised by empty stalls and shops, with some frustrated traders returning home and others hawking their commodities.

Mr Charles Adaa, who sells second-hand clothes, supported the measure. "This pandemic is hurting people even in the developed world. When the government takes these steps such as closing markets to reduce the rate of spreading the virus, we must persevere," he said.

He, however, asked the governor to provide more water bowsers at markets.

The Health ministry last week said social areas such as markets and bus stops will be fumigated, as Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe advised the public to use sanitisers and heed other safety guidelines.

"We will do our best to ensure we disinfect and control the spread of the coronavirus especially in the CBD. We have several hotspots including where there are public resting seats, bus stations and markets," Nairobi County Health Deputy Director Wilson Langat said on Thursday.