Khalwale: We cannot support the president when he wants to bring Ebola to Kenya
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 30, 2026Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has opposed reported plans by the government to allow Ebola patients from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Kenya, warning that the decision would put the country at risk of infection.
He made the remarks on Saturday, May 30, 2026, during the burial of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s father in Bungoma County. The ceremony brought together leaders, family members, and residents.
Khalwale used the event to call on Members of Parliament to take up the matter urgently and block any move he said could expose Kenyans to Ebola.
“Nyinyi waheshimiwa mko hapa tunarudi kwenye Bunge. Push people’s agenda. Tuko katika hali ya hatari,” he told the leaders present.
He said Parliament must act through both the Senate and the National Assembly and challenge the proposal at the national level.
“We must move Parliament; Senate, National Assembly, we tell the President kwamba he is wrong kuamua kwamba watu ambao ni wagonjwa wa Ebola kutoka DRC waletwe Kenya,” Khalwale said.
He insisted that the government should not proceed with any arrangement involving the transfer of Ebola patients into Kenya.
Khalwale also pointed to actions taken by neighbouring countries, saying some had already tightened their borders because of the outbreak risk.
“Ata Rwanda wamefunga mipaka yote,” he said.
He added that Kenya should take a cautious position, given the seriousness of Ebola outbreaks in the region.
“We cannot support the president when he wants to bring Ebola to Kenya,” he said.
His remarks came during a burial ceremony in Bungoma, where several leaders gathered to pay their last respects to the late Wycliffe Wangamati’s father.
The statement adds to growing political debate across the country over reported plans linked to Ebola preparedness and possible treatment or isolation arrangements for infected persons from the region.
Growing political and public concern
In recent days, several county leaders and Members of Parliament have raised concern over proposals related to Ebola facilities in Kenya, arguing that the government must involve the public and release full details before making decisions.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has opposed a proposed Ebola treatment and isolation centre in neighbouring Laikipia County. He said Nyeri residents face direct risk because of close movement between the two counties.
“The residents of Nyeri County are greatly concerned by the circulating media reports indicating plans to establish an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in the neighbouring Laikipia County,” Kahiga said in a statement issued on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
He said Nyeri and Laikipia remain closely linked through trade, transport, and family ties, making any health risk in one county a concern for the other.
Any public health risk in Laikipia is therefore a direct concern to the leadership and people of Nyeri, he added.
Kahiga called on the national government to suspend the proposal and consult affected communities before proceeding. He also asked for full disclosure of technical and safety reports linked to the project.
Laikipia leaders, including Governor Joshua Irungu and several MPs, have also rejected the plan. They have questioned why the county was chosen and demanded clarity on the objectives and safety measures.
Court slams brakes on Ebola quarantine facility
The issue has also reached the courts. The High Court in Nairobi issued conservatory orders temporarily blocking the government from allowing the entry of Ebola-infected persons into Kenya for isolation or treatment.
The court said the matter required full legal determination given the public concern it had raised.
The United States government has acknowledged the court ruling. It said it remains in contact with Kenyan authorities and expects the issue to be resolved through engagement.
“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections,” the US State Department said.
The Ministry of Health has maintained that Kenya remains on high alert and continues to strengthen screening and preparedness measures at entry points such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.