President William Ruto has revealed that he approved the establishment of a United States-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base after a direct request from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a media interview on Monday evening, Ruto defended the controversial decision, saying Kenya could not turn its back on a long-standing ally that has supported the country for decades in key sectors, including healthcare.
According to the President, the agreement is part of a broader partnership between Kenya and the United States aimed at strengthening preparedness against infectious diseases such as Ebola.
“Our partnership with the American government is a mutual agreement. When President Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a centre in Laikipia Air Base, I gave the okay because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30, 40 years,” Ruto said.
Ruto Defends Kenya-US Health Partnership
The Head of State noted that the United States has invested heavily in Kenya’s healthcare system over the years, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Ebola and other infectious diseases.
He argued that Kenya’s decision to host the facility should be viewed within the context of long-standing bilateral cooperation rather than politics.
“The American government has deployed huge resources in Kenya on HIV/AIDS, on Ebola and other diseases,” he stated.
Kenya Already Has More Than 20 Isolation Facilities
President Ruto dismissed concerns that the proposed Laikipia facility is unique or poses extraordinary risks to nearby communities.
He revealed that Kenya already operates at least 23 emergency response, quarantine and treatment facilities across the country designed to handle infectious disease outbreaks.
Among the facilities he mentioned are those located at Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Thika Level 5 Hospital and Alupe Hospital in Busia.
“The facility is not different from all the others we have across Kenya,” Ruto explained.
Government Says Preparedness Is Necessary
The President emphasized that Kenya cannot afford to ignore the threat posed by Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
He said the government has a responsibility to ensure adequate preparedness measures are in place should the virus cross into Kenya.
“Those questioning our preparedness, are they telling us that we should not be ready? The fact that we could end up with a case is not far-fetched,” he said.
Ruto further noted that many Kenyans work and live in countries where Ebola outbreaks have been reported, making preparedness a national priority.
Protests Erupt in Nanyuki
The President’s remarks come amid growing opposition to the proposed facility.
On Monday, hundreds of residents and youth groups staged demonstrations in Nanyuki, protesting plans to establish the Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base.
Protesters expressed fears over possible health risks and demanded that the centre be relocated away from their community.
Security officers intervened and prevented demonstrators from accessing the military installation as tensions remained high.
Despite the opposition, President Ruto maintained that the government is acting responsibly and urged politicians to avoid spreading misinformation regarding the project.
“We are a responsible government. Politicians should avoid reckless talk. I am confident about what we are doing as a country,” he said.
