By Andrew Kariuki
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has sparked debate after strongly backing the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, arguing that urgent public health concerns should take precedence amid an ongoing court battle over the controversial plan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kaluma warned that Kenya risks exposure to the deadly virus due to growing movement of people across East and Central Africa, particularly from countries currently affected by the outbreak.
“An Ebola outbreak in Africa is real. We have many Kenyans in the DRC, Uganda and across East Africa. What will happen to our nation if Kenyans return home from these countries infected with Ebola? We need an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya as soon as possible,” Kaluma stated.
The outspoken legislator further criticized judicial intervention in the matter, arguing that courts should not interfere with emergency health decisions.
“The courts must keep off such matters,” he added.
Kaluma’s remarks come against the backdrop of an intensifying legal battle surrounding a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility linked to a partnership between the Kenyan and United States governments.
The High Court recently issued conservatory orders halting construction and operationalisation of the facility in Laikipia pending determination of a constitutional petition filed by Katiba Institute and later joined by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Justice Patricia Mande further directed the government to disclose agreements, negotiations, approvals, risk assessments and operational protocols related to the proposed facility, while barring the admission of individuals exposed to Ebola into Kenya under the arrangement until the matter is heard and determined.
The court case has triggered sharp divisions, with critics raising concerns over public health preparedness, transparency, sovereignty and the capacity of Kenya’s health system to handle Ebola-related risks.
Supporters of the proposal, however, argue that Kenya must urgently strengthen its preparedness given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and cases reported in neighbouring Uganda.
Kaluma maintained that Kenya cannot afford to ignore the potential risk posed by cross-border movement and returning citizens amid the outbreak, insisting that preparedness measures must be prioritised to protect public health.
