Opposition demands full disclosure of Ebola agreements, faults secrecy in govt response
By Emmanuel Rono, June 3, 2026The United Alternative Government has accused the government of handling the country’s reported Ebola preparedness arrangements in secrecy, which has led to political and public health controversy.
According to a press statement signed by Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the opposition coalition stated that the government has failed to provide timely and clear information on Ebola-related protocols, agreements, and arrangements.
They claimed that the handling of the matter has been marked by secrecy, half-truths and arrogance, and called for the immediate publication of all documents linked to Ebola response programmes, facilities, and intergovernmental commitments.
“Instead of providing timely information, consulting stakeholders, and reassuring the public, this Ruto regime has chosen secrecy, half-truths, and arrogance.”
“As a result, Kenyans are left with more questions than answers regarding the reported agreements, protocols, and arrangements entered into by the Government and their potential implications for public health, public safety, and national preparedness,” Kalonzo said in a statement.
Effective preparedness
The opposition argued that any arrangement involving Ebola must be subjected to full transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny, warning that secrecy could erode public trust and preparedness efforts.
They further highlighted what they termed a contradiction in government priorities, questioning how a system struggling with shortages in essential medicines, under-equipped public hospitals, and broader healthcare system challenges could be expected to inspire confidence in its Ebola response strategy.
“A Government that cannot adequately equip public hospitals, guarantee the availability of essential medicines, or address the chronic challenges facing our healthcare system, now expects Kenyans to blindly trust its assurances on a matter of such grave national importance,” Kalonzo stated.
“Trust is the currency of leadership, and transparency is the foundation upon which that trust is built. This regime has failed both tests.”
U.S defending Ebola facility in Kenya
This comes even as the United States explained why Kenya was selected as the preferred location for a proposed Ebola quarantine facility, citing the country’s strategic position near regional disease outbreak zones and its existing international partnerships.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, President Donald Trump’s Administrator of the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Mehmet Oz, said Kenya’s proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola outbreaks have previously occurred, makes it an ideal location for rapid medical response.
“The main issue with having a facility close to DRC is if a patient is sick, I want to take the patient to the OR that is right next door to the room they are sick in, not the building next to them or three buildings two blocks away because time is precious,” he said.