A first-time MP from western Kenya is said to have contracted coronavirus.
This is after reports emerged that at least six lawmakers have tested positive for Covid-19, with one of them said to have been in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a City Hospital.
The first term MP from Western is said to have contracted the virus after interacting closely with the colleague who is in ICU, while another is a Coast MP.
The lawmakers who have tested positive are currently admitted at different hospitals with Nairobi.
According to The Standard, many other legislators who had come into contact with their positive colleagues rushed to get tested during the weekend, raising fears that the number of the positive cases could rise once their results are released.
Among those said to be in the hospital is a ranking member of the National Assembly, who by virtue of his office, is feared to have exposed himself to many of his colleagues.
Sources who spoke to the local daily revealed that at least 20 lawmakers who rushed to take Covid-19 tests.
The results for those who took tests over the weekend are expected to be out in the course of today (Monday June 29).
However, Clerk of the National Assembly Michael Sialai who was also quoted by the local daily said that the National Assembly’s administration was not aware of any Covid-19 case among the MPs or members of staff, but added that since medical matters are a private affair, they would not know unless the affected publicly disclose their status.
The spread of the virus to Parliament could slow down the efforts to contain the virus and stop its spread to counties given that legislators are often travelling from Nairobi to their constituencies, always interacting with their voters.
The ripple effect that would be occasioned by Covid-19 cases in Parliament could lead to the closure of the august House as has happened with State House where President Uhuru Kenyatta has been forced to operate remotely after four staff members tested positive.
