Democratic Party Leader JB Muturi has defended Kenyans’ right to access information on the International Health Regulations (2005), saying public questioning of health policy is both lawful and necessary for accountability.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Muturi said the global health rules are not new and should not be treated as hidden or unfamiliar instruments.

“I wish to clarify that the International Health Regulations (2005) are neither new nor secretive instruments,” he said. “They were adopted by the World Health Assembly on 23 May 2005 and entered into force on 15 June 2007, binding on WHO Member States, including Kenya, the United States of America among others.”

The regulations form a binding international framework under the World Health Organization. They require countries to develop systems for detecting, reporting, and responding to disease outbreaks in time. This includes surveillance at borders, laboratories, and health facilities, as well as early warning systems for public health threats.

Muturi noted that these obligations existed long before many current political leaders took office, warning against dismissing public concern as ignorance. He said governments must explain international commitments clearly instead of shutting down debate.

He stressed that the International Health Regulations also require respect for human dignity and rights while implementing public health measures. They also emphasise risk communication, meaning governments must keep the public informed during health emergencies.

“The principle of informing the public and communicating health risks is embedded within the framework of the Regulations,” the statement said.

Rights to public information

The party leader linked the issue to Kenya’s constitutional framework, which guarantees access to information and public participation. He argued that citizens have a legal basis to ask questions about decisions that may affect their health and safety.

“Kenyans have a legitimate right to seek information on any matter that may affect their health, safety, and well-being,” Muturi said.

He also criticised any public officials who discourage public engagement on such issues.

“It is therefore unfortunate and uncalled for for any public official to suggest that Kenyans should not be consulted, informed, or engaged on matters with potential implications for public health,” he said. “Public confidence in health policy is built through openness, transparency, and accountability, not through dismissing legitimate public interest.”

Muturi urged that national discussions on health policy remain grounded in law, evidence, and respect for constitutional rights.

“The debate on public health measures and international obligations should be guided by facts, law, and respect for citizens’ constitutional rights,” he stated.

He added that Kenyans should not be treated as passive observers in governance.

“Kenyans are not passive subjects of governance; they are sovereign citizens entitled to information and meaningful engagement on matters that affect their lives.”

The International Health Regulations (2005) remain the main global framework for handling cross-border disease threats. They require countries to detect outbreaks early, report them to the World Health Organization, and coordinate responses in ways that avoid unnecessary disruption to travel and trade.

Kenya, as a member state, applies these rules in routine disease surveillance and during outbreaks such as Ebola risks in the region. Muturi’s remarks come amid renewed public debate on transparency in health agreements and emergency preparedness measures.