President Uhuru Kenyatta has banned all political gatherings for 30 days starting midnight Friday.

He said the measures are meant to tame the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya.

He ordered police to implement the directive strictly without considering anyone’s status in the society.

“All forms of political gatherings are hereby prohibited for a period of 30 days starting midnight today. This should be followed regardless of the political or social standing,” Uhuru said.

In the new measures announced on Friday, the President also extended the 10pm-4am daily curfew by 60 more days.

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The Head of State also directed that all bars and social joints close by 9pm.

He said the government made the decision to enhance Coronavirus measures following advice from public health experts.

Uhuru said he was advised against lifting the curfew orders as many Kenyans had anticipated arguing that this would have pushed infections up significantly as was the case in September last year when restrictions were eased.

Attendance of weddings and funerals has been capped a maximum of 100 people.

“Funerals shall be done within 72 hours. Ceremonies limited to the family at 100 people. Weddings capped at 100 people.

“This is being done for your good. We don’t want to go from a wedding to a funeral and I ask you in all humility, let’s care about others’ lives.

The president asked the general public to continue on service Covid-19 measures to help tame the virus spread.

He added that essential services like hospitals, construction sites and factories which operate double shifts are exempted from the curfew directive.

Uhuru warned that Covid-19 was still a threat to the health and livelihoods of Kenyans with the positivity rate currently at 14 percent, the highest recorded this year.