We hosted sick Americans in Laikipia, now they're keeping off to avoid Ebola

Activists chant slogans and carry placards and a mock coffin during protests against a US-built quarantine centre in Laikipia. Nairobi, June 2, 2026. [AFP]

We hosted sick Americans in Laikipia; now they’re keeping off to avoid Ebola

The US government has issued travel advisories to Kenya, citing the Ebola outbreak. Yes, the same Washington that Prezzo Bill Ruto and his Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended so vigorously nearly broke at the seams, as they were putting up an Ebola quarantine facility for Americans in Laikipia.

Yes, Kenya that was Ebola-free but these two individuals were willing to risk national security to accommodate sick Americans, and they did, in violation of orders from competent courts of law in this country.

I will not use Prezzo Bill Ruto’s slur against others, whom he declares to have nothing between their ears, but some deeper introspection is necessary. Now that the Ebola virus is here, Kenyans can’t even access the Laikipia facility that we were assured was primarily built for their benefit. Apparently, Kenyans require Americans’ authorisation to use it. Does that sound like we have been using our akili?

Washington wasn’t done.  It warned its citizens against visiting Kenya because of runaway crime, kidnappings are rife, terrorism is on the rise, and civil unrest is widespread because goons and government have joined forces to create “goonvernment.”

The other threat recorded in the advisory relates to “traffic safety concerns.” I’m not sure what the specific concerns are—it could be the boom-traf from matatus, which Kenyans don’t mind much, or the endless traffic jams that at times can last days on end. Consequently, wild animals are likely to prowl and maul those in the way.

This could be cured easily and cheaply by declaring entire highways as wildlife migratory corridors and setting up game viewing points along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. And rather than incurring costs hiring and moving goons to political rallies, let them guard against wild animals in their villages.

Regarding the Ebola outbreak, an update is due from Prezzo Ruto regarding the quarantine facilities that were reportedly in the offing, with funding from the same folks who won’t let their citizens visit as we deal with our own issues. At the last check, some 24 counties would benefit from such facilities. Or was it just hekaya?