Police searching for suspects who killed man over alleged coronavirus

Police in Kwale have launched a manhunt for a mob that hacked to death a middle-aged in Kibundani area after accusing him of having contracted COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Msambweni Sub-county police commander Nehemiah Bitok said Hezron Kotini was staggering home from a drinking spree when he bumped into a group of youth who started shouting that he has  the coronavirus.

The rowdy youth then attacked the man with crude weapons, leaving him for dead.

The police commander said Kotini, who sustained deep cuts on his head, was rushed to Msambweni Referral Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Bitok warned the public against taking matters into their hands or making false allegations as the country steps up measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Meanwhile, the Kwale County Government has began training health officers on dealing the spread of the new virus.

Health Chief Officer Juma Mbete said they have set five isolation centers in all the five sub-counties.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kenya stood at 7 on Wednesday, March 18.