Democratic Party of Kenya (DPK) leader Justin Muturi has called for an independent investigation into alleged gaps in Kenya’s handling of an Ebola case. He has asked the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to explain how a suspected patient reportedly travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and entered the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, Muturi said allegations about screening, reporting and contact tracing raised serious questions about public health safeguards. He maintained that the claims should be independently verified before conclusions are reached.
“The safety of our nation is not a matter for political games, administrative excuses, or carefully crafted statements issued after public confidence has already been shaken,” Muturi said. He added that protecting the health and lives of Kenyans should remain the government's priority.
Muturi Questions Airport Screening Procedures
Muturi said information shared with him suggested that the individual arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after travelling from the DRC. According to the allegations, the patient was reportedly cleared following a telephone communication before being taken to a hospital.
The DPK leader claimed that the patient may subsequently have interacted with healthcare workers, other patients and members of the public. He said the circumstances required scrutiny to establish whether appropriate screening and reporting procedures had been followed.
Muturi also raised questions about whether hospital personnel had received complete information about the patient's travel history. He further cited allegations that family members visited the patient while at the facility, saying the claims needed to be investigated.
He cautioned that the allegations should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence. However, he argued that any confirmed breach of public health protocols would require accountability and corrective action.
Questions Directed at Health CS Aden Duale
Muturi called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to explain the circumstances surrounding the case and the measures taken by authorities. He also sought clarification on whether healthcare workers were adequately informed and equipped to protect themselves.
The former Attorney General questioned whether individuals who might have been exposed had been identified and professionally assessed. He also called for information on contact tracing, medical monitoring and other preventive measures implemented where necessary.
Muturi said public confidence could not be restored through general assurances alone. He urged the government to provide clear, evidence-based updates explaining how the response was being managed.
Calls for Records to Be Preserved
The DPK leader urged the Ministry of Health, airport authorities and the hospital concerned to preserve relevant records. He said an independent inquiry should reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether any safeguards had been breached.
He also called for measures to prevent similar incidents and improve the handling of future public health threats. Muturi said patient confidentiality should be respected while the public receives credible information about the investigation's findings.
The claims raised in his statement require verification by the relevant authorities. An independent investigation would help establish what happened, whether procedures were followed and whether further action is necessary.
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