Nairobi Assembly Majority Leader, Abdi Guyo has said he contracted COVID-19 and infected members of his family.
Guyo, who said 50 Municipal Council Assembly members had so far contracted the virus, revealed he spent three weeks in isolation at home after testing positive on March 19.
Saying at least 35 members had recovered, the majority leader however noted that four were hospitalised (two on oxygen support), while the rest are under home-based care.
“ One of my close friends told me he had contracted the virus, so that is how I ended up going for a test. I contracted COVID-19 about three weeks ago and, unfortunately, some of my family members, including my wife, were infected. However, we were all asymptomatic ”. Guyo narrated.
He said that while in isolation, he did not use any medication but focused on a healthy diet, regular exercise and reading the Quran.
” I also took the time to rest because as the Majority Leader you rarely rest as your attention is always needed in many assembly businesses, not forgetting that MCAs who expect you to be at their service from time to time ”, he said.
Guyo urged city residents as well as his colleagues not to shy away from revealing their status if they have contracted the virus.
“ I don’t see why people shy away from revealing their status. If you care about your loved ones and colleagues tell them if you have contracted COVID. That way they can take the necessary measures to deal with it.
” I’m lucky enough to have a good friend who revealed to me his status and I acted immediately. That is why I’m now talking about it after being declared COVID-19 free on Saturday ”, he said.
The country’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, had asked Parliament as well as county assemblies within the five disease infected counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Nakuru to go on recess until further notice.
“ Committees will continue sitting virtually but no plenary session will take place within the chambers.
“ If there is important business we can call for a special sitting, but other than that MCAs should keep off the assembly ”, Guyo said.