Governor Wavinya Ndeti calls on gov't to halt plan to establish Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki

Speaking in Mutituni during an inspection tour of county development projects, the governor said the country should not take chances with a highly infectious disease at a time when the healthcare system is already under pressure.

Wavinya urged President William Ruto's administration to reconsider the move, arguing that the safety and well-being of Kenyans must take precedence over any other interests.

"The government should rethink the idea of establishing an Ebola quarantine facility in the country because the disease is highly infectious. The welfare of Kenyans must come first," she said.

Her remarks come amid controversy surrounding the proposed facility, with President William Ruto maintaining support for the project despite a High Court order suspending its establishment in Nanyuki. The President has cited Kenya's strategic and diplomatic relations with the United States as a key consideration.

The governor further called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and strictly observe public health measures, drawing parallels with the precautions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Citizens should be prepared to follow safety measures similar to those adopted during the Covid-19 outbreak to protect themselves and their families," she said.

At the same time, Wavinya expressed concern over the rising cases of femicide in the country, noting that nearly 200 women have reportedly lost their lives since January.

She called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb gender-based violence and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

The governor also challenged parents to play a more active role in mentoring and guiding their children amid growing cases of indiscipline and unrest in schools across the country.

She said strong parental involvement remains critical in shaping responsible behaviour among young people and addressing the social challenges facing learners.