People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of putting foreign interests ahead of the safety and wellbeing of Kenyans following reports that Kenya is involved in discussions with the United States over a possible Ebola quarantine arrangement.
In a statement issued on May 30, 2026, Karua questioned the government's willingness to consider hosting foreign nationals exposed to Ebola while Kenya continues to face significant challenges within its own healthcare system.
“Protect Kenyans first,” Karua said. “Wenye nchi must be first to be protected, especially now when our health system has been ravaged by Kenya Kwanza’s reckless management of healthcare.”
The veteran politician argued that the government cannot justify accepting additional public health risks when many healthcare facilities across the country are already grappling with shortages of personnel, equipment, and resources. She maintained that the welfare of Kenyan citizens should remain the primary consideration in any international health arrangement.
Karua's remarks come amid growing public concern over reports that the United States had explored the possibility of using Kenya as a location to monitor or quarantine its citizens exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reports have sparked debate over the country's preparedness to manage potential outbreaks and the implications of such agreements for public health.
The former Justice Minister urged transparency from government officials, calling for clear communication on any discussions involving international health partnerships. She emphasized that decisions with potential consequences for public health must be subjected to public scrutiny and prioritise national interests.
Her comments add to a growing chorus of voices demanding greater accountability and clarity from the government regarding the reported Ebola-related arrangements, as concerns continue to mount over Kenya’s healthcare capacity and emergency preparedness.
