After days of street protests and a court ruling blocking the plan, President William Ruto addressed the controversy surrounding Kenya’s decision to host a U.S.-supported Ebola treatment and monitoring center.
Speaking from Wajir State Lodge, Ruto stressed that the health and safety of Kenyans remain the government’s top priority. He explained that the facility at Laikipia Air Base, backed by the United States, is part of a national preparedness strategy against epidemics. He reminded the public that Kenya has benefited from U.S. cooperation in tackling HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and Ebola in the past.
Ruto clarified that Laikipia is not unique but one of 23 epidemic-preparedness facilities across the country. These include Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Hospital, Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Hospital, the National Reference & Research Hospital, and Alupe Hospital, among others. He emphasized that these measures are designed solely to protect public health and strengthen Kenya’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Despite these assurances, many Kenyans remain unconvinced. Critics accuse the government of putting foreign interests ahead of citizens’ safety, questioning why Kenya would host Ebola patients from abroad while struggling to care for its own suspected cases. Protesters argue that the plan exposes the country to unnecessary risks and undermines public trust.
The debate highlights broader tensions over international health partnerships, sovereignty, and the balance between global cooperation and national security.