Karua hails court order suspending US Ebola centre plan, says 'Kenyans are on their own'

Speaking in Ngariama, Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Karua accused the government of failing to adequately secure the country's borders, saying Kenyans had effectively been left to fend for themselves.

Karua contrasted the government's handling of the Ebola issue with measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, which imposed strict border controls to contain the spread of the virus.

"During the Uhuru regime, he contained all our borders and we are wondering what is wrong with the Kenya Kwanza administration," she said.

The remarks come after rights group Katiba Institute moved to court seeking to block the establishment of the facility, arguing that the arrangement posed "grave and imminent risks" to public health.

A High Court judge subsequently barred the operation of any Ebola facility in Kenya by a foreign government pending the hearing and determination of the case.

At the same event, Karua described the Utumishi tragedy as a devastating loss for the country, saying Kenya had lost young lives full of promise and potential.

She faulted the government over the incident, arguing that the disaster could have been prevented had emergency response systems functioned effectively. Karua claimed that little had been done to strengthen safety measures following the Endarasha school tragedy.

She further blamed President William Ruto's administration for the school fire that left 16 students dead and dozens injured, saying the government should prioritise addressing safety concerns in learning institutions.