The government of Kenya announced the ban on all public gatherings for a period of 30-days.

It has also extended the 10 pm to 4 am curfew for an indefinite period.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe made the announcements during an update on COVID-19 containment measures in Kenya on Friday.

According to Mutahi, the Ministry of Health has observed an increase in cases in the following regions; Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Muranga, Nyandarua, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Tana River and Lamu counties.

He also stated that the rate of infection from the dreaded delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is increasing across the country.

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He noted that political events and other such gatherings have become the super-spreaders of the virus.

“When you call a political gathering in a street where people are many is it super spreading. There is no point in carrying the rallies, then we have more deaths then we go to the funerals and then cause more deaths,” he said.

Places of worship have, however, been allowed to operate albeit under compliance with the MoH containment guidelines.

As per the new containment measures, burials are required to be carried out within 72 hours after death confirmation and only 50 guests are allowed to attend the ceremonies.

He said the Ministry of Interior would convene to discuss the best way to ensure the directive is enforced.

Employers have also been asked to allow their employees to work from home save for the ones who are in crucial sectors providing essential services.

Mutahi cautioned that the health facilities risk being overwhelmed should people fail to take care of themselves.

“If we do not take care of ourselves, then our hospital systems will be overwhelmed and at that point, there is nothing the doctors will be able to do,” the CS said.

During the address, the Inspector General of police Hilary Mutyambai was present. He also gave a statement issuing firm orders to the police to enforce the curfew containment protocols.

He also urged members of the public to cooperate with the police. He promised that there won't be any conflicts between the police and members of the public if everyone obeyed the curfew rule by being at the right place and at the right time.