Maraga Takes on Ruto Over Ebola Quarantine U-Turn, Questions Government’s Earlier Decision

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over its changing position on the controversial Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County, demanding answers about the government’s earlier support for the project.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Maraga questioned why the government had defended plans to establish a quarantine centre for foreign nationals before announcing that Kenya would not serve as an isolation destination for other countries.

His remarks followed an announcement by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale that Kenya would not allow foreign governments to use its territory as a quarantine destination for travellers exposed to Ebola.

Maraga argued that the latest position contradicted the government’s earlier actions when Kenyans raised concerns about the proposed facility at Laikipia Air Base.

The project, which was linked to the United States, was intended to provide a 50-bed isolation centre for American citizens who might be exposed to Ebola while in the region.

The proposal attracted strong opposition from residents and political leaders, who questioned why Kenya should host a facility serving another country’s interests.

The disagreement sparked demonstrations in Laikipia, with police action leaving several people dead and others injured. The project also faced legal challenges, with the High Court issuing orders stopping construction activities.

Maraga questioned why the administration had previously defended the arrangement despite public opposition and legal concerns, only to adopt a position that appeared to agree with the protesters months later.

He also criticised the government’s handling of the demonstrations, accusing it of using police force against citizens who were demanding protection of national sovereignty and public safety.

The former Chief Justice challenged the President to explain why the arrangement had been signed and defended if Kenya had no obligation to host quarantine facilities for foreign governments.

Meanwhile, Duale declined to give further details about the future of the Laikipia facility, saying the matter was still before the courts.

The latest disagreement comes as Kenya deals with an Ebola outbreak that raised fresh questions about the country’s preparedness to manage infectious diseases.

The Ministry of Health recently announced that the last Ebola patient had been discharged, starting the mandatory 42-day countdown towards a possible declaration that Kenya is Ebola-free.

Maraga’s criticism has therefore reopened the debate over the government’s handling of the quarantine project, police response and responsibility to protect Kenyan citizens.

Source: https://x.com/tv47digital/status/2120848494063763480?a=yQdIBfSWMpOZtyh8nqM&s=19

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