Former Chief Justice and presidential aspirant David Maraga has urged the government to ensure Kenya does not repeat the mistakes made during the Covid-19 pandemic in responding to the country’s first reported imported Ebola case.
Speaking after arriving in Kenya from a tour of the United States, Maraga called for transparency and decisive action in containing the disease.
Maraga also questioned the government’s preparedness to contain the outbreak, recalling assurances given following demonstrations by residents in Nanyuki over concerns about the disease.
“Let us not repeat the mistakes of the COVID-19 pandemic as we handle this first ‘imported’ Ebola. Certainly, let’s not make Ebola billionaires out of this unfortunate crisis,” he said.
He said Kenyans had been assured that the situation was under control and that measures had been put in place to prevent the disease from spreading.
“We don’t know how many have been infected. We must demand that appropriate action be taken so that we don’t have those kinds of deaths arising from that disease,” Maraga said.
His remarks come amid concerns over the country’s handling of the reported Ebola case and calls for authorities to provide timely information on containment measures, contact tracing and the risk of further transmission.
President William Ruto ordered an enhanced government response after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease, with the patient dying while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
Ruto directed the National Security Council Committee to convene, assess the situation and recommend measures to safeguard the country, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said in a statement on Tuesday.
The directive came after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed Kenya’s first imported Ebola case on Tuesday, saying the patient had died at Nairobi Hospital on Monday night.
Following the National Security Council Committee meeting, the government intensified surveillance, contact tracing and other public health measures to prevent further transmission.
“Contact tracing is ongoing. Eight family members of the deceased have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing daily symptom monitoring,” State House spokesperson said in a statement.
Twenty-one healthcare workers who attended to the deceased have also been placed under quarantine and are being closely monitored.
Authorities have also extended contact tracing to passengers who travelled on the same flight as the deceased into the country.
“So far, 27 passengers who may have had contact with the deceased have been identified and contacted, and the appropriate public health measures are being undertaken,” State House spokesperson said in a statement.
The deceased has been safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols.
