The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has opposed the establishment of a U.S Ebola treatment facility in Nanyuki, arguing that Kenya should not be used to host and treat foreign patients suffering from the highly infectious disease.

Speaking during a presser on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, DCP Party Acting Secretary General Joe Methu claimed that the proposed facility has attracted international attention and raised concerns among Kenyans about public health and national interests.

US Committee is opposed

Methu cited reports that the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee had urged the American government to facilitate treatment for its citizens in the United States rather than abroad.

“Are you aware that the USA House Foreign Affairs Committee has urged the USA government to take Americans home for treatment and not dump them in foreign countries?” Methu posed.

Health professionals’ concerns

“We join the people of Kenya, the health professionals, in saying no to this Ebola facility in Nanyuki or elsewhere within the territory of the Republic of Kenya.”

Methu insisted that the government’s priority should be protecting the health and safety of Kenyans.

“Kenyans’ interest must come first, Mr President,” Methu stated.

Clarification on the establishment

The party’s remarks come as the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga,clarified that the centre is not being established exclusively for American citizens.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, amid growing public debate over reports of a US–Kenya deal on Ebola preparedness, Oluga has said concerns surrounding the facility had been exaggerated and misrepresented.

“The Ebola treatment facility in Laikipia is not reserved for a specific group of people. It is a national preparedness asset designed to serve everyone who may require specialised care in the event of an Ebola outbreak, both Kenyans and international visitors, including Americans,” Olunga said.

According to Oluga, the government remains focused on preventing Ebola from entering the country and has implemented surveillance and response measures to mitigate the risk of an outbreak.

“Concerns surrounding the reported US–Kenya Ebola arrangement have been blown out of proportion. The government is taking all necessary measures to prevent Ebola from entering Kenya,” he said.

Ruto’s defence on the facility

President William Ruto also defended the government’s plan to establish an Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying the project is necessary to strengthen Kenya’s ability to respond to future disease outbreaks.

The president dismissed criticism surrounding the facility and urged leaders to avoid politicising public health matters.

“I am wondering why anybody would want to politicise and mobilise negative politics around a matter as serious as a pandemic,” he said.

“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” he insisted.