Tuesday, June 02,
2026 - President William Ruto has spoken publicly for the first time about
the controversial plan to establish a US‑linked Ebola quarantine facility at
Laikipia Air Base.
Addressing journalists during a media roundtable on Monday,
June 1st, the Head of State confirmed that he approved the project
following a formal request from the US Government.
Ruto emphasized Kenya’s long‑standing partnership with
Washington, describing it as mutually beneficial.
“Our partnership with the American Government is a
partnership that is mutually beneficial to us and to them.”
“When President Trump asked the Government of Kenya to
support them by having a center in Laikipia Airbase, I gave the okay because it
was an agreement and partnership with friends who have walked with Kenya for
30–40 years,” he stated.
Ruto noted that the US has invested heavily in Kenya’s
health sector, particularly in combating HIV/ Aids.
He further highlighted that Kenya already has 23 facilities
designated for Ebola screening, isolation, and treatment, including Kenyatta
National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Thika
Hospital, Alupe Hospital in Busia, and the National Police Service Referral
Hospital.
Responding to criticism of the Government’s preparedness, Ruto
asked.
“Are they saying we should not prepare? Are they telling us
we should not be ready?”
His remarks came just hours after residents of Nanyuki
staged demonstrations against the proposed facility.
Protesters marched through the town’s central business
district, blocked the Nanyuki‑Nyeri Highway, and carried placards and Kenyan
flags while chanting anti‑government slogans.
They accused the state of endangering their lives and
demanded the project be abandoned.
The protests follow a High Court ruling on May 29th
that temporarily blocked the establishment of the US‑linked Ebola facility in
Kenya.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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