Laikipia MPs oppose planned establishment of Ebola treatment centre in the county
Members of Parliament (MPs) from Laikipia County have strongly opposed plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola quarantine
Members of Parliament (MPs) from Laikipia County have strongly opposed plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in the county, demanding full disclosure from the national government over the proposed project.
In a joint statement released on Friday, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said they were deeply concerned by reports that the government intends to set up the facility at the Laikipia Air Base.
While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in containing dangerous disease outbreaks, the leaders questioned the lack of information surrounding the proposal.
The MPs raised several concerns, including why the government has not fully disclosed its intentions and why Laikipia was selected as the preferred location for the facility.
“Our collective conscience is greatly disturbed by the news that there is intention by the Government of Kenya to have an Ebola Quarantine and Treatment Facility in Laikipia County.
We strongly recognize the importance of coordinated efforts to protect humanity against the spread of such dangerous outbreaks, however, we have serious concerns and questions that need to be answered before any move is taken,” read the statement.
Utumishi Girls Board of Management dissolved, teachers face disciplinary action
High Court blocks establishment of Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya
More than 10 students detained over Utumishi Girls School fire tragedy
“Why is the Government not giving full disclosure of its intentions? 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? Why not set up the facility at the source of the outbreak (the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) for greater, speedy and efficient management?”
The leaders further wondered whether the United States, given its resources and influence, would be better placed to support the establishment of a fully equipped treatment facility in the DRC rather than elsewhere.
The legislators said they see no justification for Kenya, and specifically Laikipia County, hosting the proposed quarantine and treatment centre.
They called on the national government to provide full transparency on the matter, insisting that the safety and protection of Kenyans must remain the highest priority.
“The safety and protection of our people MUST and SHOULD remain the highest priority. Finally, we urge the residents of Laikipia and Kenyans at large to remain calm as the relevant government agencies provide clarification on this matter that is of utmost importance to all of us,” they stated.
EIGHT students arrested over Utumishi Girls’ Academy arson fire
U.S. Health Authorities deploy Ebola team in Kenya despite court suspension
Cambodia addresses reports of ordering all Africans to leave by end of May
US gives Kenya Ksh1.7 Billion for the Ebola preparedness quarantine facility
Follow us
