EXTRA: Nairobi governor gives out alcohol ‘to kill’ COVID-19

Mike Sonko, Nairobi governor, is giving out bottles of Hennessy to the poor to protect them against COVID-19.

Sonko is said to be distributing foodstuff, including soaps and hand sanitisers to the less privileged in Nairobi.

During a press conference, the governor reportedly said small bottles of Hennessy will be added to the welfare packages to enhance citizens’ fight against the disease.

The governor claimed research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that alcohol had played a major role in the fight against COVID-19.

He said hand sanitisers had large alcoholic content, and that the alcohol beverage would help Kenyans in the same way.

“We shall be giving some small bottle of Hennessy in the food packages we will be giving to our people,” he said.

“I think from the research done by WHO and various health organisation health action, it has been revealed that alcohol plays a major role in killing coronavirus and any other virus.

“If you take any had sanitisers and look at the alcoholic content you’ll find that it’s as such.”

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But in a statement, Hennessy warned Kenyans not to follow the governor’s claim.

It said the consumption of its brand or any other alcoholic beverage does not offer protection against the disease.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating across different media channels on Tuesday, April 14, alleging that the consumption of Hennessy helps to fight against COVID-19,” it said.

“Hennessy would like to stress that the consumption of our brand or any other alcoholic beverage does not protect against the virus.”

Kenya has recorded 234 cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths.