- Muturi said a whistleblower had brought to his attention allegations involving an individual reportedly travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who was allegedly cleared at the airport following a telephone communication before being taken to a hospital.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has called for an independent investigation into allegations of a possible Ebola-related incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), demanding that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale account for the government’s handling of the matter.
Muturi said a whistleblower had brought to his attention allegations involving an individual reportedly travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who was allegedly cleared at the airport following a telephone communication before being taken to a hospital.
According to Muturi, the individual, described in the allegations as Patient Zero, may have interacted with healthcare workers, patients and members of the public after arriving at the facility.
He further alleged that the individual's travel history may not have been fully disclosed to hospital personnel and that family members visited him while he was at the hospital.
Muturi said the claims required urgent and independent investigation by the relevant public health and oversight authorities, warning that, if substantiated, they would raise serious questions about airport screening procedures, compliance with public health protocols and the protection of healthcare workers.
He cautioned against any interference in the enforcement of public health safeguards, saying political connections, telephone calls or administrative instructions should not override established procedures.
“If anyone interfered with the proper handling of this case, they must be held accountable, regardless of their office or influence,” Muturi said.
The former Attorney General challenged Duale to provide a clear account of what happened, including whether screening and reporting procedures were followed, healthcare workers were adequately informed and protected, and individuals who may have been exposed were identified and assessed.
He also demanded information on the treatment, monitoring, contact tracing and preventive measures undertaken, where clinically indicated, to contain any potential public health risk.
Muturi criticised what he described as an inadequate response to public health concerns, arguing that Kenyans needed more than announcements about fatalities.
“The country needs more than announcements about deaths. It needs visible leadership, a credible account of the response, effective treatment and care for patients, and concrete measures to prevent further loss of life,” he said.
He called on the Ministry of Health, airport authorities and the hospital concerned to preserve relevant records, establish the sequence of events, assess any potential exposure and issue timely, evidence-based updates to the public.
Muturi said the findings of the investigation should be made public, subject to patient confidentiality and the protection of sensitive personal information.
He placed responsibility on Duale to demonstrate that the Ministry of Health had the capacity to protect Kenyans during a potential public health emergency, saying leadership should be judged by preparedness, the effectiveness of the response and public confidence in the institutions responsible for safeguarding lives.
The Democratic Party leader said Duale should resign as Cabinet Secretary for Health if he failed to provide a credible account of the ministry's handling of the matter, demonstrate that the necessary safeguards had been implemented and restore public confidence through transparent accountability.
“If Hon. Aden Duale cannot provide a credible account of the Ministry's handling of this matter, demonstrate that the necessary safeguards and response measures were implemented, and restore public confidence through transparent accountability, then he should resign as Cabinet Secretary for Health,” Muturi said.
He stressed that his demands were not intended to cause public panic or promote unverified claims, but to secure answers and accountability over allegations he considered serious.
Muturi also proposed that a 21-day period of enhanced surveillance and precautionary measures be considered, depending on verified exposure circumstances, the disease's incubation period and guidance from qualified public health authorities.
The allegations outlined in Muturi's statement had not been independently verified in the information provided. An independent investigation and an official response from the relevant authorities would be necessary to establish what happened and whether public health protocols were breached.