US billions not worth Kenyan lives, opposition slams government over proposed Ebola facility

United Opposition chiefs led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have condemned the government's decision to host an Ebola treatment facility in Kenya, warning that the country lacks the capacity to handle an outbreak.

They further wondered why Kenyans should be exposed to a risk that even the United States is unwilling to take. 

Speaking during a church service in honour of veteran AIC cleric Rev. Dr Matthews Mwalwa, Gachagua said Kenya's healthcare system was ill-prepared to deal with an Ebola outbreak, arguing that the country was being asked to shoulder a burden that wealthier nations had declined to confront.  

"The United States government has said that even its own citizens should not step into their country because of the danger posed by Ebola. If America is saying this disease is so serious that it does not want to take that risk, how can Kenya agree to take a risk that the United States is unwilling to take?" posed Gachagua. 

"We have nothing against the United States, but we are also a responsible country. It cannot be that Kenya is willing to take a risk that America itself is not willing to take,” he added. 

The former Deputy President said Kenya's healthcare system was already struggling with numerous challenges and would be unable to effectively contain a major outbreak. 

"If America, with the best healthcare system in the world, lacks confidence in handling this outbreak, what about Kenya? What about Kenya, where hospitals are struggling? What about Kenya, where there are shortages of drugs and medical equipment? We cannot endanger our country. We have too many problems already. We cannot add another risk of this magnitude,” Gachagua said. 

Gachagua also defended a conservatory order issued by the High Court halting the establishment of the Ebola-related facility and urged both the Kenyan and US governments to respect the ruling. 

"We admire the United States because of its democracy and observance of the rule of law. Since there is a court order stopping the establishment of that centre in Kenya, I want to ask the United States to show us the way by respecting that court order. Do not join the Kenyan government in disobeying court orders. Do not join Kenya in practising impunity. If there is a court order, it must be respected,” he said. 

He claimed that despite the court injunction, equipment linked to the project was still being moved into Nanyuki, raising concerns about whether the order was being fully observed. 

Gachagua further accused the government of excluding Kenyans from a decision that could have far-reaching consequences. 

"The people of Laikipia were not consulted. The people of Kenya were not consulted. Any decision that can affect people's lives must involve public participation," he said. 

He announced plans to convene a public meeting in Laikipia to allow residents to air their views on the matter. 

DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa intensified the attack, accusing the government of placing financial interests above public safety. 

"The $1.7 billion is not worth the lives of Kenyans. We are saying very clearly that American lives are not more valuable than Kenyan lives. If America does not want Ebola on American soil, why should Kenya accept Ebola on Kenyan soil?" he questioned. 

Wamalwa warned that border counties neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo were already anxious over the outbreak and urged the government to prioritise the safety of its citizens. 

"Any responsible government must put its people first. No amount of money can compensate for the loss of lives if things go wrong," he said. 

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka backed the criticism, saying the government's foremost duty is to safeguard the lives of Kenyans and not expose them to avoidable risks. 

"The first responsibility of any government is to protect its people. When decisions touching on life and death are being made, the interests of Kenyans must come first," said Kalonzo. 

Kalonzo said the concerns being raised by the opposition were not political but centred on public safety and accountability. 

"We cannot keep quiet when decisions are being made that could potentially endanger millions of Kenyans. Leadership demands that we speak out when the welfare of our people is at stake," he said. 

The former Vice President challenged the church to remain firm in defending justice and speaking for ordinary citizens, arguing that religious institutions have historically played a critical role in safeguarding the country's democratic values. 

"When the church speaks truth to power, it is not engaging in politics; it is fulfilling its moral obligation to society. The church must remain the voice of the voiceless and stand with Kenyans whenever their welfare is threatened," he said.

The opposition chief accused the government of failing to adequately consult citizens on a matter with potentially far-reaching public health implications. 

"Kenyans deserve transparency. They deserve to know the nature of any agreements being entered into on their behalf and the risks involved. Matters affecting the health and safety of citizens cannot be handled in secrecy," he said. 

He urged the government to listen to concerns being raised by citizens, medical professionals and community leaders before proceeding with any plans related to the Ebola programme.