Rumors, Fear and Panic About COVID-19 Becoming Increasingly Pervasive in Some Rural Communities in Kenya

Exterior of the Aga Khan hospital in Kisumu where several Chinese nationals have been quarantined out of concern they're infected with COVID-19. Photo via Aga Khan Hospital.

Anger and suspicions towards Chinese nationals in rural Kenya, many of who are workers on various infrastructure projects, are rising amid fears they’re infected with the deadly COVID-19 virus. Last week, there were widespread reports of a Sinohydro employee who purportedly returned from China infected with Novel Coronavirus and then bribed health officials to allow him to return to his residence in Kitui County. He later tested negative for the virus and remained quarantined nonetheless.

Now, over the weekend, similar situations have emerged in two other Kenyan communities:

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by Eric Olander

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