The secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs in the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Peter Mbae, has raised questions over the origins and intent of Kenya’s controversial Ebola quarantine facility deal in Laikipia, demanding clarity on how the agreement was initiated and whose interests it serves.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Thursday, June 04, 2026, Mbae questioned the narrative surrounding the origins of the deal, alleging that internal actors may have driven the discussions.

“I do not think it was President Trump who called the President of Kenya to ask for that facility,” he said. “I think the president (Ruto) initiated the conversation because we have people in this government who love money.”

“It is not conceivable how I can be a Kenyan citizen and fall sick, or a citizen of DRC who is in government service, then tell me to go to Zambia to be treated there instead of flying me back home where I am very comfortable. There is something very sinister here; it doesn’t work,” he said.

Mbae further questioned the rationale behind the arrangement, warning against decisions that appear to prioritise external approval over citizens’ welfare.

“Trying to please ourselves in the eyes of President Trump, we don’t want any American citizen in Kenya who has Ebola symptoms,” he stated.

Deal via phone call

According to a report on high-level diplomatic exchanges, President William Ruto personally engaged the United States government in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, paving the way for the Ebola preparedness partnership.

William Ruto is reported to have discussed coordination on Ebola response efforts with Washington, focusing on strengthening Kenya’s health system and securing medical supplies.

A statement from US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott indicated that the leaders discussed ongoing Ebola risks in the region and measures to enhance Kenya’s preparedness.

The talks reportedly included commitments to improve surveillance systems, secure medical supplies, and reinforce emergency response capacity in case of cross-border transmission.

Millions pledged as legal and political backlash grows

The US government has pledged Ksh1.7 billion for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and an additional $112 million (Ksh14 billion) for regional response efforts.

However, the arrangement has triggered political and legal backlash, with critics questioning transparency and the lack of full public disclosure on the agreements governing the facility.

The Law Society of Kenya has also indicated plans to challenge aspects of the deal in court, citing concerns over sovereignty and public participation in decisions affecting national health security.

As debate intensifies, the Ebola preparedness facility continues to fuel wider concerns over governance, accountability, and Kenya’s role in international health partnerships.