Gachagua Alleges Ebola Facility in Laikipia Is a Threat to Mt Kenya Region
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked controversy after claiming that the government’s planned Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia could endanger people living in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during a press briefing, Gachagua accused President William Ruto’s administration of pushing a project that he believes may expose residents of Laikipia, Meru, and neighbouring counties to health risks. He alleged that the facility could have serious consequences for local communities.
The proposed centre is set to be established at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki through a partnership between the Kenyan and United States governments. The facility will have 50 beds and is intended to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness against possible Ebola outbreaks.
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Gachagua Alleges Ebola Facility in Laikipia Is a Threat to Mt Kenya Region. pic.twitter.com/1O0i85bv8r
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According to government officials, the centre is designed to isolate and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus but are not showing symptoms. Authorities say the project is part of wider efforts to improve disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
President William Ruto has defended the initiative, saying it is part of long-standing cooperation between Kenya and the United States in the health sector. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has also maintained that the facility is meant to enhance the country’s ability to respond to infectious diseases.
Despite these assurances, the project has attracted opposition from some residents and leaders in Laikipia and the wider Mt Kenya region. Critics fear that hosting such a facility could pose risks to nearby communities if not properly managed.
The matter is now before the courts after the High Court temporarily stopped the project. The court ordered the government to provide full details of the agreement and barred the facility from receiving foreign patients or exposed individuals until the case is heard and determined.
The debate continues as both supporters and opponents of the project await the court’s final decision.
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