Laikipia Leaders Reject Ruto’s Proposed Ebola Isolation Centre In Nanyuki
Laikipia leaders have rejected plans to build an Ebola quarantine and isolation facility in Nanyuki.
The officials warned that the measure may instil fear, harm the county’s reputation, and subject residents to unwarranted health risks in the midst of increased regional awareness about the disease.
Senator John Kinyua, Governor Joshua Irungu, MPs Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), and Woman Representative Jane Kagiri all released remarks on Friday.
They would resist any attempts by the national government and its international partners to establish the facility within the country.
Laikipia leaders have strongly opposed the proposed construction of an Ebola disease quarantine unit in Nanyuki#KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/L9jfd6Zdfn— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 29, 2026
Senator Kinyua, in a strongly worded statement, claimed the government had not prioritised the safety of Kenyans and warned against turning Laikipia into what he described as “a dumping site for death.”
“We reject this proposal. Why can’t those exposed be taken to their countries if Ebola is not a deadly disease? Are Kenyans and more so the people of Laikipia lesser human beings?” Kinyua said.
The senator further questioned why Kenya would consider hosting Ebola-related cases from foreign countries instead of strengthening border surveillance and restricting travel from affected regions.
The statement came amid growing debate online and within public health circles following reports that the government was considering establishing a quarantine centre in Nanyuki.
We have agreed that as leaders and residents of Laikipia county that we do not want the quarantine that has been recommended in Laikipia county because it will expose our people to Ebola – Laikipia Governor Joshua Irung’u pic.twitter.com/d5WVfsXmLl— The Fourth Eye News (@fourtheyenews) May 29, 2026
This is part of emergency preparedness measures against a possible Ebola outbreak in the region.
While no Ebola case has been confirmed in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has in recent weeks stepped up surveillance at border points and airports following outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.
Public health officials have maintained that preparedness measures are necessary to ensure the country can respond swiftly in the event of an outbreak.
The matter has also attracted legal attention after High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi issued conservatory orders temporarily suspending the proposed arrangement pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the move.
In the orders issued on Thursday, Justice Nyaundi barred the government from establishing or operationalising any Ebola quarantine or treatment facility linked to the arrangement until the matter is heard and determined by the court.
The MPs also released a joint statement expressing opposition and seeking full disclosure from the government over the reported plans, questioning why Laikipia had been identified for the proposed facility.
“Why Laikipia? What does the US Government know about this that they are not accepting their own affected citizens into their soil but are ready to have them elsewhere?” the MPs posed.
Section of leaders in Laikipia County reject America’s bid to set up Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Airbase as they demand for full exposure of it’s intentions #Khendonews pic.twitter.com/gsXwvNvFZk— Khendo FM, Kenya (@khendofm_kenya) May 29, 2026
The legislators further questioned why the facility could not instead be established in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola outbreaks have previously been reported.
Governor Irungu said the proposal risked branding Laikipia as an Ebola treatment centre, a perception he said could scare away investors and tourists.
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“The establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility within the County, irrespective of its technical purpose or scope, would almost certainly lead to Laikipia being erroneously perceived as a designated centre for Ebola treatment or containment,” Irungu said.
He warned that such an image could undermine investor confidence and negatively affect tourism and trade, sectors that form a significant part of Laikipia’s economy.
The governor also cited a lack of public participation and consultation, saying decisions of such magnitude should involve local leaders, residents, medical experts and stakeholders before implementation.
The developments have sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some Kenyans expressing fears over the possibility of handling Ebola-related cases within residential areas, while others urged leaders not to politicise public health preparedness.
On social media, many Kenyans questioned whether the country has sufficient containment infrastructure and trained personnel to safely manage highly infectious diseases such as Ebola.
Laikipia Leaders Reject Ruto’s Proposed Ebola Isolation Centre In Nanyuki
