Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has demanded answers from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over alleged failures in the handling of Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola case, calling for an independent investigation into the country’s screening and response procedures.
In a statement dated Monday, October 12, 2026, and shared on his X account, Muturi raised concerns over reports that a man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) may not have been handled in line with established public health procedures.
According to Muturi, the allegations were brought to his attention by a whistleblower. He claimed that the individual, described in the report as Patient Zero, was allegedly cleared following a telephone communication before being taken to a hospital, where he may have interacted with healthcare workers, other patients and members of the public.
Concerns over handling of Ebola case
Muturi further alleged that the man’s travel history may not have been fully disclosed to hospital personnel and that family members visited him while he was receiving care.
He said the claims required an independent investigation to establish what happened and determine whether the relevant health and screening procedures were followed.
The concerns come after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola in October 2026. The patient, who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda, was admitted to Nairobi Hospital, where he tested positive for the virus and later died, according to reports from health authorities.
Call for independent investigation
Muturi challenged Duale to explain whether airport screening and reporting procedures had been followed, whether healthcare workers were adequately informed and protected, and whether individuals who may have been exposed had been identified and assessed.
He also sought clarification on the treatment, monitoring, contact tracing and preventive measures implemented by the Ministry of Health in response to the case.
The DP leader argued that Kenyans deserved clear information about the government’s response, including the care provided to patients and the steps taken to prevent further infections.
Demands for transparency and accountability
He maintained that announcing deaths without explaining the measures taken to protect the public was not enough, insisting that the government needed to demonstrate transparency, preparedness and accountability.
Muturi also warned against any possible interference in public health procedures, saying that telephone calls, political connections or administrative instructions should never override established safety measures. He added that anyone found to have interfered with the proper handling of the case should be held accountable, regardless of their position.
The former Attorney General called on the Ministry of Health, airport authorities and the hospital concerned to preserve relevant records, establish the sequence of events and assess any possible exposure. He further urged the authorities to protect healthcare workers and provide timely updates supported by evidence.
