President William Ruto has received huge support from the Western Professionals Caucus for the proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County for American citizens, amid growing public debate over the project.
In a press release by Newton Khamasi, Secretary General of the Western Professionals Caucus on 5th June 2026, the caucus called for a shift in the ongoing public debate from outright rejection to constructive engagement.
“We therefore call upon the national and county leaders to shift the conversation from rejection to inclusivity”, read part of the statement.
The caucus noted that the proposed facility in Laikipia County is intended to enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks by improving surveillance, research, disease containment, and emergency response when needed.
“We wish to caution against blanket condemnation of a facility whose primary objective is to strengthen preparedness against highly infectious diseases”, said Khamasi.
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Kenya Ebola Preparedness
The Western Professionals Caucus maintained that Kenya should strengthen its public health systems rather than just oppose the proposed facility.
“Our position is clear: Kenya does not need less preparedness; Kenya needs more preparedness,” the group stated in the statement.
The caucus said the discussion should focus on how the facility is structured to serve Kenya’s national interests rather than whether it should exist.
In the press release, the group further added that concerns regarding access, ownership, operational control, and the extent to which Kenyans benefit from the project should be addressed through policy dialogue and constructive engagement.
According to the caucus group, the establishment of the facility presents Kenya with an opportunity to strengthen its healthcare system by supporting local participation.
The group said any Ebola preparedness center should create opportunities for Kenyan health professionals, researchers, and institutions to be involved in training, research, technology transfer, and emergency preparedness programs.
It also noted that such investments would improve Kenya’s capacity to respond to current and future public health threats while contributing to regional and international health efforts.
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Quarantine for American Ebola Patients
The press release also addressed concerns about the facility’s potential use of the facility, including fears that it could be used to quarantine foreign patients from the United States.
While acknowledging public concerns, the group cautioned against condemning the initiative, stating that rejecting such a project could undermine Kenya’s position in global health collaboration.
“As a country, we must be careful not to send a message that Kenya is opposed to scientific advancement, medical research, or investments that enhance public health security,” read part of the statement.
The Western Professionals Caucus instead called for transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation in the development and implementation of the facility.
The group further urged the national and county leaders to lead inclusive discussions around the project and ensure that any implementation aligns with the needs and priorities of Kenyans from the outset.
The group emphasized that it is important for all Kenyans to support the efforts of Kenya’s healthcare system. They also noted that preparedness is key to shielding the Kenyan people from new health risks.
Laikipia Airbase Quarantine Storm
Ruto is facing widespread resistance after he allowed the US government to build an Ebola quarantine facility for its exposed citizens at the Laikipia Airbase.
Violent protests erupted in Nanyuki, with the police killing two of the demonstrators. The courts have also stopped the government of Ruto from proceeding with the project.
However, the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reiterated that nothing will stop the construction of the facility – not even the Court.
“Under the Public Health Act, we don’t need to do public participation; we are not going to consult citizens. Even MPs, when they fall ill, rush to the doctor to ensure they receive the best treatment. This epidemic does not require any consultation,” defiant Duale told Members of Parliament when he appeared before the National Assembly.
On his part, Ruto has argued that the decision was the right thing.
“I can tell you without fear of any contradiction, and I can look at everybody in the eye, … and tell you we are doing the right thing. It would be most unfortunate if, on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their cost, we would refuse; we would look very inhuman, Ruto said during a press briefing in South Africa.
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PHOTO | Newton | X
