Former Cabinet Secretary for Defence and DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa has said no public health decision should be taken without citizen participation, as opposition leaders intensified criticism of a proposed Ebola quarantine facility linked to Laikipia County.

He made the remarks on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in a post on his X account after attending a church service in Nairobi alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Wamalwa said leaders must prioritise the safety and dignity of Kenyans in all decisions touching on health matters.

“Our people are not children of a lesser God,” he said. “No decision touching on public health should be undertaken without public participation and the full confidence of the citizens.”

He said he and other leaders used the church service to raise concern over the proposed Ebola quarantine facility, insisting that government policy must be anchored on public trust and transparency.

“During my address, I strongly raised concern over the proposed Ebola quarantine facility, emphasising that the safety, dignity and wellbeing of Kenyans must remain the highest priority of any government,” he said.

Opposition plans Laikipia visit

Wamalwa added that their political team would visit Laikipia County during the week to engage residents and express solidarity with communities opposing the facility.

“As the United Alternative Government, we shall this week proceed to Laikipia to stand in solidarity with the people and leaders of the region in opposing the establishment of the quarantine facility,” he said.

He said leadership must always reflect the voice of the people, especially on matters involving health risks.

“Leadership must always listen to the voice of the people and uphold policies that protect lives while safeguarding public trust and national security,” he said.

His remarks came as Kalonzo Musyoka also escalated criticism of the proposed plan, saying the lives of Kenyans could not be treated as negotiable in policy decisions.

“The lives of our people are not bargaining chips,” Kalonzo said during the same church service. “We must respect the will of Kenyans and ensure that no decision exposes them to unnecessary risk.”

The debate over the Laikipia facility has drawn in multiple opposition figures, county leaders and health professionals, with calls for wider consultation and caution in handling Ebola-related preparedness measures.