By Andrew Kariuki

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticised reports of a proposed arrangement to facilitate the handling of Ebola-related cases in Kenya, questioning why the country should host individuals allegedly rejected elsewhere for treatment or quarantine.

Speaking on Saturday, Sifuna claimed the United States had recently declined to admit some of its own citizens affected by Ebola, arguing that Kenya should not be expected to shoulder the burden.

“Yesterday, we were told that recently, America has refused to let in their own citizens who have been affected by Ebola,” Sifuna said.

The senator further alleged that certain individuals were pushing for Kenya to accept Ebola-related cases due to undisclosed interests, while directing criticism at President William Ruto’s administration over the matter.

“I want to tell William Ruto, we will not agree on this,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing public and political debate surrounding reports of a proposed Ebola quarantine or monitoring arrangement linked to Kenya and the United States.

The controversy intensified after the High Court temporarily stopped the establishment or operationalisation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement involving the United States or any foreign government pending the hearing of a petition filed by the Katiba Institute.

The proposed arrangement has drawn mixed reactions, with critics citing public health, transparency and consultation concerns, while government agencies and foreign partners continue responding to questions surrounding the reports.