President Ruto Defends Laikipia Ebola Center Amid Rising Public Panic
President William Ruto has broken his silence on the controversial decision to host a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base, revealing that the move was a direct response to a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the media on Monday evening, June 1, 2026, the President dismissed growing domestic opposition as “political noise,” insisting that the center is a vital component of Kenya’s strategic partnership with the United States and a necessary measure for regional biosecurity.
Honor Among Allies
The President framed the agreement as a reciprocal gesture toward a superpower that has historically invested heavily in Kenya’s public health infrastructure, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and previous viral outbreaks.
“Our partnership with the American government is a mutual agreement,” President Ruto stated. “When President Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a center in Laikipia Air Base, I gave the okay because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30, 40 years.”
Addressing the sharp criticism over Kenya becoming a containment hub for foreign nationals, the President argued that the facility is not an isolated experiment but rather the 24th emergency response center in a national network that includes Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Alupe Hospital in Busia.
Protests and Tension in Nanyuki
Despite the President’s assurances, the atmosphere on the ground remains volatile. On Monday, hundreds of Nanyuki residents and youth groups took to the streets, attempting to march on the Laikipia military installation before being intercepted by security forces.
Protesters cited grave fears over potential virus leaks into the local community, demanding that the facility be relocated far from residential hubs. Ruto, however, urged the public to ignore “reckless talk” from politicians, stressing that the center is intended to screen and isolate any positive cases—including Kenyans traveling back from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
“Those questioning our preparedness, are they telling us that we should not be ready?” Ruto challenged. “We have many Kenyans in DRC, and if they were to become victims of Ebola, we would have a responsibility to take care of them. We are a responsible government.”
Duale: “It is Not Just for Americans”
The President’s defense was echoed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who appeared on Citizen TV to debunk claims that the Laikipia site would serve exclusively as an elite, segregated camp for U.S. personnel.
Duale clarified that the facility is designed to serve both Kenyan and American nationals, particularly those operating in high-risk zones within the region. He maintained that the center is a proactive safeguard against a virus that has already breached containment lines in neighboring countries.
The executive’s pushback comes at a critical moment, as the High Court continues to demand full disclosure on the deal and the Katiba Institute seeks to halt the program entirely, citing a lack of public participation and severe biosafety concerns.
