Ndegwa Njiru faults govt over Ebola preparedness amid US quarantine reports
By Faith Lagat, May 28, 2026Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has criticised the government’s Ebola preparedness plans amid reports that Kenya could host Americans exposed to the virus for monitoring and treatment.
In a statement shared on X on May 28, 2026, Njiru questioned the country’s readiness to handle a possible Ebola outbreak, citing Kenya’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ruto! Importing Ebola exposure to impress Washington DC is not diplomacy. It is gambling with Kenyan lives. Kenya struggled through COVID-19 while depending on Western aid and emergency support, now the same government wants Kenyans to believe it is fully prepared for Ebola?” Njiru stated.
His remarks come as the government intensifies regional coordination efforts following renewed Ebola concerns in East and Central Africa.
Government steps up Ebola preparedness
President William Ruto on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, bringing together ambassadors, diplomats and representatives from international organisations to review Kenya’s preparedness measures.
The meeting included envoys from the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, Japan, India and the European Union, alongside officials from the United Nations and other multilateral agencies.
Ruto said international cooperation remains critical in responding to cross-border health threats. “International solidarity is vital, particularly in times of multiple crises,” the President said.
According to the government, Kenya has intensified screening at 26 points of entry, where more than 58,000 travellers have so far been screened, with all suspected cases testing negative.
Authorities have also identified 17 isolation centres across the country and established a National Response Committee to coordinate surveillance, laboratory systems, public awareness campaigns and cross-border response measures.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya’s cooperation with international partners would be guided by national laws and biosafety standards.
Concerns over US-linked quarantine reports
The debate escalated following reports by The New York Times indicating that the United States was considering sending Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for observation and treatment instead of repatriating them directly to the US.
The reports triggered reactions from medical professionals and legal experts.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union Secretary General Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah called for transparency regarding the reported plans and questioned why Kenya had been selected.
Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama also urged the government to reject any arrangement that could expose the country to additional risks.
He argued that treatment facilities should remain closer to the outbreak epicentre in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Regional response and public concern
The renewed debate comes as Ebola cases continue to be monitored in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda recently tightened border controls with Congo, while health agencies continue surveillance and contact tracing efforts in affected areas.
Public health experts have warned that fear, misinformation and weak healthcare systems can complicate outbreak management if governments fail to maintain public trust and clear communication.
The government maintains that Kenya’s preparedness measures are aimed at protecting both national and regional health security, while critics continue to question whether the country has sufficient capacity to handle a major outbreak.