NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice and UGM presidential flagbearer David Maraga has raised concern over reports that the United States may send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for treatment, demanding full transparency from the government over any such arrangements.
In a strongly worded statement, Maraga said while Kenya remains committed to international partnerships in disaster preparedness and emergency response, the government must not compromise national sovereignty or expose citizens to unnecessary health risks.
“I am alarmed by reports in American and international media suggesting that the United States intends to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for treatment,” Maraga said.
“While Kenya takes its responsibilities in the community of nations seriously, no partnership should compromise our sovereignty or place the Kenyan public at undue risk,” he added.
Questions Over Government Disclosure
Maraga criticised a statement earlier issued by the Health Cabinet Secretary, saying it failed to provide sufficient details or assurances regarding the alleged arrangements.
According to the former Chief Justice, Kenyans deserve clear information on any plans involving the treatment of persons exposed to highly infectious diseases such as Ebola.
“The statement issued today by the Health Cabinet Secretary neither provides clarity nor discloses details of the proposed arrangements, and thus fails to provide the specific assurances Kenyans rightly expect,” he stated.
He argued that any agreement involving infectious disease management must include strict infection-control measures, domestic oversight mechanisms, and informed consent from healthcare workers and others potentially affected.
Calls for Parliamentary Oversight
Maraga further called on the Ministry of Health, Parliament, and the Executive to immediately disclose full details of any proposed agreements involving Ebola treatment in Kenya.
Among the demands he listed were credible assurances on infection control, liability, allocation of medical resources, and protection of Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure.
He also insisted that no steps should be taken before the matter undergoes transparent public scrutiny and constitutional oversight.
“The primary duty of the Kenyan government is to protect the Kenyan people and to safeguard our sovereignty,” Maraga said.
“Partnership is welcome, but it must never be conducted in a manner that leaves citizens in the dark on their level of risk.”
