Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho has pleaded with the residents especially from Old Town to avoid sideshows and focus on fighting the coronavirus.

Speaking during a press conference held at his office this afternoon, Joho called on the residents not to perceive the government as their enemy arguing that all the efforts put in place by the government is for their own benefit.

''To all my people in Mombasa, the enemy in this fight is not your government, the enemy is not your governor, the enemy is not your politician. The enemy for all of us is COVID-19. Let us all direct our energy to defeat the disease, other things don't matter for now'' said Joho.

Joho also called on the residents to avoid sideshows and criticism and support the government in the fight.

'' I appeal to you don't be drawn into this shenanigans and sideshows, let us remain focused, let us remember there is a pandemic, the only thing we need to do is to collectively find ways to defeat it. We don't want to be in situation where everyone is forced to stay in their houses" he charged.

Joho has been on the receiving end from residents of Old Town for demanding that they undergo mandatory mass testing for Covid-19 and calling for a total lock down in the area.

The Governor further noted that the county government has already put in place measures to ensure residents of Old Town access essential services and supply including water and food. Several points have been established where vendors will be allowed to sell food.

Yesterday, the government ordered cessation of movement in and out of  the area (Old Town) for the next 15 days.

Meanwhile ODM leader Raila Odinga has donated foodstuff to the Mombasa household relief programme, the donation was handed over to governor Joho by businessman Suleiman Shahbal on behalf of Odinga.