Why Laikipia? MPs demand full disclosure over planned American Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 29, 2026Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has led a section of leaders from Laikipia County in demanding full disclosure from the government over reports that an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility for American citizens could be established at the Nanyuki Air Base.
In a joint statement released to the public on Friday, May 29, 2026, alongside Laikipia County Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani, the leaders raised concern over what they termed a lack of transparency from the national government regarding the matter.
The lawmakers said that although they recognise the importance of global cooperation in fighting dangerous disease outbreaks, several critical questions remain unanswered concerning the reported plan.
Among the concerns raised by the leaders was why the government has failed to openly disclose its intentions to Kenyans, and particularly the people of Laikipia County.
“Our collective conscience is greatly disturbed by the news that there is an intention by the Government of Kenya to have an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Laikipia County.”
“We strongly recognise the importance of coordinated efforts to protect humanity against the spread of such dangerous outbreaks; however, we have serious concerns and questions that need to be answered before any move is taken,” the statement added.
MPs’ concerns
They also questioned why Laikipia had been identified as the preferred location for such a facility, wondering why the United States would seek to have affected citizens quarantined outside its borders instead of within its own territory.
The leaders further argued that if the outbreak originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, then it would make more sense for a fully equipped treatment facility to be established closer to the source for faster and more effective management of the disease.
According to the statement, the leaders questioned whether the United States, given its financial and technological capacity, would not be better placed to support the establishment of a modern treatment and response centre directly in the DRC instead of relocating the matter to Kenya.
The MPs maintained that, in their view as representatives of the people of Laikipia, there was no clear justification for Kenya and specifically Laikipia County to host such a facility.
They insisted that Kenyans deserve full transparency from the national government on the matter, especially on issues touching on public health and national safety.
Safety concerns
The leaders further stressed that the safety and protection of Kenyans must remain the highest priority, even as they called on residents to remain calm while awaiting official clarification from the relevant government agencies.
The statement comes amid growing public debate and concern over reports surrounding the alleged planned establishment of the quarantine facility at the Nanyuki Air Base.