NAIROBI, Kenya—Leaders allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have opposed plans to establish an Ebola isolation facility at the Laikipia Airbase in Nanyuki, while also accusing the government of fostering political and ethnic divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, a group of legislators from the Mt. Kenya region led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu said they were concerned about reports of a proposed Ebola quarantine, monitoring and treatment facility in Laikipia County.
The leaders questioned the government’s decision to support the project, citing public health concerns and ongoing court proceedings surrounding the proposed facility.
The remarks come days after the High Court suspended plans to operationalise the facility pending the hearing and determination of a case challenging its establishment.
President William Ruto has defended the proposal, stating that Kenya entered into the arrangement following a request from the United States government and insisting that adequate measures have been put in place to safeguard public health.
During the press conference, the DCP leaders called for greater transparency from the government regarding the purpose, operations, and safety measures surrounding the proposed facility.
The leaders also raised concerns about what they described as growing political tensions involving communities in the Mt. Kenya region. They accused senior government officials of promoting divisive rhetoric and claimed that residents of the region were being unfairly targeted politically.
Several of the allegations touched on past protests, incidents of violence, and destruction of property in different parts of the country. The leaders called for independent investigations into the incidents and urged security agencies to ensure accountability for those responsible.
They further appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and vigilant, warning against any actions that could undermine national unity or public order.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country as parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The government had not immediately responded to the specific allegations raised during the press conference.
Political analysts say the debate over the proposed Ebola facility and the growing exchange between government and opposition leaders is likely to remain a major issue in national discourse in the coming weeks.
