MP Ngogoyo Warns Against Misuse of Ebola Funds

Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo wants the government to spend Ebola money wisely. He spoke in a local TV interview on Monday, October 19, 2026.

He warned that emergency funds could be misused as Kenya's confirmed infections rise to eight. He urged President William Ruto's administration and Health CS Aden Duale to use all Ebola funds for their intended purpose.

Loan and Grant Concerns

Ngogoyo questioned the government's reported application for a Ksh51 billion loan. He wants officials to explain exactly how they will spend any money they borrow.

He also pointed to about Ksh295 million in grant support from China. The MP says the government must show transparency and accountability in managing these resources.

Lessons from COVID-19

Ngogoyo warned the government against repeating the controversies that surrounded COVID-19 funds. He said the outbreak should not become a chance for politics or unjustified borrowing.

He also cautioned officials against exaggerating case numbers to attract more funding. He insists the priority must be to contain the virus and stop new infections.

Criticism of Duale

The legislator criticised Duale for making public statements that he described as unverified. He argues that health emergencies demand accurate and responsible communication from government officials.

Ngogoyo called Duale one of the few Cabinet secretaries who speak recklessly. He wants the ministry to choose its words carefully during the outbreak.

Questions Over Preparedness

Ngogoyo questioned how ready health facilities were after nurses contracted the virus. He said these infections point to serious gaps in protective measures.

He urged the government to strengthen infection prevention and protect frontline workers. He also wants officials to manage the outbreak with urgency and accountability.

How the Outbreak Began

Kenya confirmed its first Bundibugyo Ebola case on October 6, 2026. The patient was a Kenyan man who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He fell ill about a month earlier and received treatment at several DRC hospitals. He then travelled by road to Kampala and flew to Nairobi on October 3.

Doctors isolated him at Nairobi Hospital and tested him after reviewing his symptoms and travel history. The National Virology Reference Laboratory and KEMRI confirmed the infection, and he died on October 5.

Contact Tracing

Health authorities began tracing everyone who had met the first patient. They identified 28 contacts, including relatives and healthcare workers.

Officials also tried to trace 23 passengers and four crew members from his flight. The response grew as more infections appeared among people linked to him.

Rising Case Numbers

By October 17, Kenya had recorded seven confirmed cases. These included three healthcare workers who treated the first patient and three of his relatives.

The rising numbers raised fears of spread inside healthcare facilities. Experts stress the need for strict infection prevention and control measures.

Eighth Case Confirmed

Health authorities confirmed the eighth case on October 18. A 49-year-old hospital attendant tested positive while he was already in quarantine.

The man was not a healthcare worker but cleaned utensils and linens. Officials believe he caught the virus through exposure to the first patient.