Former Chief Justice David Maraga demanded full disclosure from the government over reports that the United States plans to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for treatment, warning that any such arrangement must not compromise the country’s sovereignty or endanger citizens.
Maraga said Kenyans deserve transparency and clear assurances regarding any agreement involving the management of highly infectious diseases such as Ebola.
“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 said.
Maraga expressed concern over reports circulating in American and international media suggesting that the US government intends to collaborate with Kenya in handling individuals exposed to the Ebola virus.
He argued that although international partnerships in disaster preparedness and emergency response are important, the government has a constitutional obligation to fully inform the public about any arrangements that could affect national health security.
The former Chief Justice criticized a statement issued earlier by the Ministry of Health, saying it failed to provide sufficient details or assurances to address public concerns.
“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 said.
Maraga called for specific safeguards, including rigorous infection-control protocols, domestic oversight mechanisms, and protection for healthcare workers and the broader public.
He also insisted that health professionals and any Kenyans directly affected by such arrangements must be fully informed and protected.
“In the absence of such information, public concern is understandable and legitimate,” he added.
The former Chief Justice further linked the matter to wider concerns surrounding the recent Kenya-US health agreement, which he said had already raised questions about privacy protections and health rights.
Maraga urged the Ministry of Health, Parliament, and the Executive to immediately disclose the full details of any proposed Ebola-related arrangements and provide credible assurances regarding infection risks, liability, resource allocation, and the protection of Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure.
He also demanded that no steps be taken before the proposals undergo transparent domestic oversight and public scrutiny.
“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.”
This came as the US insisted they will not allow Ebola patients to their country.
“The number one priority of our foreign policy is to protect the American people. We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States” ~ Marco Rubio, US Secretary of States.
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