KMPDU boss demands transparency over Kenya-US Ebola preparedness agreement
By Sharon Atieno, June 2, 2026Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has raised concerns over the proposed agreement between the Kenyan government and the United States on Ebola preparedness, demanding full disclosure on the terms of the arrangement, especially the reported plan to host Ebola patients in the country.
Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Atellah questioned the rationale behind Kenya being selected for such a sensitive health arrangement and called for clarity on the safeguards in place to protect Kenyan citizens and frontline health workers.
“We need to know the details of the engagement between the Kenyan government and the Americans regarding the proposal to bring Ebola patients to Kenya,” Atellah said.
He further questioned whether the risk assessment behind the deal had been properly communicated to the public, arguing that transparency was critical in maintaining public trust in the health system.
“Does this mean the Ebola virus is only dangerous to Americans and not to Kenyans? Why was Kenya chosen to host these patients?” he posed.
Concerns over regional health safety
Atellah also raised concern for Kenyans living and working in neighbouring countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola outbreaks have previously been reported.
“What about the Kenyans living and working in the DRC? What plans does the Kenyan government have to protect and support them?” he asked.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over Kenya’s involvement in the Ebola preparedness initiative following revelations that President William Ruto held direct discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to advance a bilateral cooperation framework on Ebola response.
According to earlier reports, the talks resulted in a proposed Ksh1.7 billion U.S. commitment toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness, alongside broader regional support packages aimed at strengthening health systems and emergency response capacity.
Controversy over Ebola preparedness deal
The arrangement has sparked legal and political scrutiny, with the Law Society of Kenya moving to court to challenge aspects of the proposed Ebola containment framework, particularly concerns around transparency and public consultation.
Calls for transparency intensify
Atellah has now joined a growing list of voices demanding clarity on the deal, insisting that public health decisions of such magnitude must be subjected to full disclosure and stakeholder engagement.
As debate continues, questions remain over Kenya’s role in the regional Ebola response framework and the safeguards in place to balance international cooperation with national public health security.