Maraga Accuses Ruto of Hypocrisy Over Kenya’s Ebola Quarantine Policy
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over its handling of Kenya’s Ebola quarantine policy, accusing the government of hypocrisy following a sudden shift in its position on hosting quarantine facilities for foreign nationals.
Maraga’s criticism comes after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that Kenya would not serve as a quarantine destination for travellers from other jurisdictions. The announcement has reignited debate over the government’s earlier decision to support plans for an Ebola isolation and quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which was intended to accommodate United States citizens potentially exposed to the deadly virus.
The former Chief Justice questioned why the government had previously defended the proposed arrangement despite strong public opposition, only to adopt a position similar to that of protesters who had challenged the plan.
His remarks have placed renewed attention on the government’s handling of the Ebola preparedness programme, particularly the circumstances surrounding the controversial Laikipia facility and the demonstrations that resulted in deaths and injuries.
Maraga argued that the administration should account for its earlier decisions instead of simply changing its position without addressing the consequences of the controversy.
He accused President Ruto’s government of disregarding Kenya’s safety, sovereignty and dignity while attempting to accommodate American interests. He also questioned why police force had been used against residents who opposed the proposed facility if the government now maintains that Kenya has no obligation to host quarantine centres for other countries.
The criticism has added another political dimension to the country’s Ebola response, with questions emerging over government accountability, public participation and the protection of citizens during national health emergencies.
The Controversial Ebola Quarantine Facility at Laikipia Air Base
The disagreement surrounding Kenya’s Ebola quarantine policy dates back to June 2026, when plans emerged to establish a 50-bed isolation and quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
The proposed centre was linked to arrangements involving the United States and was intended to accommodate American nationals who could have been exposed to Ebola during outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The plan immediately attracted public attention, particularly among residents of Laikipia and surrounding areas who questioned why Kenya should host a facility intended for foreign nationals potentially exposed to a highly infectious disease.
At the time, Kenya had not recorded an Ebola case, making the proposal particularly controversial among sections of the public.
Residents expressed concerns about the country’s ability to manage the potential risks associated with hosting individuals exposed to the virus. They also questioned whether adequate consultations had taken place before the government agreed to support the arrangement.
The proposed facility became a major subject of public debate, with critics arguing that the government needed to prioritise the safety of Kenyans before entering into arrangements involving foreign governments.
Some residents feared that the presence of an Ebola quarantine centre could expose nearby communities to unnecessary health risks. Others raised concerns about the country’s preparedness, the capacity of local health facilities and the possible economic consequences for businesses and tourism.
The government, however, defended the proposal as part of its international health cooperation and preparedness arrangements.
President Ruto maintained that Kenya had a responsibility to cooperate with international partners in addressing public health emergencies. The United States also defended the proposed facility, citing Kenya’s strategic location and its existing health partnerships.
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition continued to grow, particularly in Laikipia, where residents demanded that authorities reconsider the arrangement.
Deadly Protests Raise Questions About Government Accountability
The controversy eventually escalated into demonstrations, with residents taking to the streets to oppose the proposed Ebola facility.
The protests exposed growing frustration among communities that felt their concerns about public health and national security had not received adequate attention from the authorities.
The demonstrations turned violent, with police using force against protesters. Several people were injured, while reports indicated that at least three people lost their lives during the clashes and subsequent demonstrations.
The deaths sparked further outrage, with activists and political leaders demanding investigations into the circumstances surrounding the police response.
For many Kenyans, the issue went beyond the proposed quarantine facility. It became a question of the government’s responsibility to listen to citizens and respect their right to peacefully express opposition to decisions affecting their communities.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has faced pressure to provide updates on investigations into the deaths and alleged police brutality.
The circumstances surrounding the shootings have also raised questions about accountability and whether officers involved in the operations will be held responsible where wrongdoing is established.
Maraga’s latest remarks have brought these concerns back into the national conversation.
By questioning the government’s earlier position, the former Chief Justice is also demanding an explanation for the events that led to the protests and the subsequent loss of lives.
His argument is that the government cannot simply adopt the position previously advanced by protesters without acknowledging the people who died while opposing the same policy.
The families of those who lost their lives and residents affected by the demonstrations continue to have a legitimate interest in knowing what happened and whether justice will be served.
Duale’s Latest Announcement Changes the Government’s Position
Maraga’s criticism followed an announcement by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who clarified that Kenya would not act as a quarantine centre for travellers from other countries.
The announcement came as the Ministry of Health provided an update on the country’s Ebola situation following the discharge of its final patient and the release of the last contacts from monitoring.
Duale maintained that Kenya remained open for business, tourism, trade and international travel, despite the outbreak that had affected the country.
He also called on countries and jurisdictions that had introduced travel and visa restrictions against Kenyans to reconsider their decisions.
According to the Health CS, Kenya had no active Ebola patients under treatment and no remaining contacts in quarantine following the completion of the required monitoring period.
The government also confirmed that it would continue strengthening surveillance, screening at points of entry and rapid response measures to prevent possible new infections.
However, the CS’s position that Kenya would not serve as a quarantine destination for other jurisdictions became a major talking point, particularly because of the earlier controversy surrounding the proposed American-linked facility.
For Maraga, the announcement raises questions about the consistency of the government’s public health policy.
He questioned why the administration had defended hosting a facility for foreign nationals when it now maintains that Kenya has no obligation to provide such services to other countries.
The apparent change has therefore created an opportunity for renewed scrutiny of the decisions made during the earlier negotiations and the extent to which the public was consulted.
Kenya Begins 42-Day Countdown Towards Ebola-Free Status
The political disagreement comes at a time when Kenya has made significant progress in containing its Ebola outbreak.
On November 11, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the country’s last Ebola patient had been discharged after recovering from the disease.
The Ministry of Health also confirmed that the final 11 contacts had completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing the disease.
Kenya had recorded nine confirmed Ebola cases since the first imported infection was confirmed on October 6, 2026. All cases were contained within a single transmission cluster, with no reported community transmission.
Health authorities identified and monitored 135 contacts linked to the initial case, helping prevent further spread of the disease.
Following the discharge of the last patient, Kenya began the mandatory 42-day countdown on November 12. If no new infections are reported during this period, the country is expected to be declared Ebola-free on December 23, 2026.
The countdown follows World Health Organisation guidelines, which require a country to complete 42 days without a new case after the last patient tests negative and is discharged.
Although the development represents a significant achievement for the country’s health sector, authorities have warned that surveillance and preparedness measures must continue.
The government has maintained that screening at airports and other points of entry will remain active, while health officials will continue monitoring potential cases and responding to suspected infections.
The Ministry has also encouraged members of the public to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, particularly after travelling to areas affected by the disease.
These measures are intended to prevent a possible resurgence and protect the gains made during the outbreak response.
