Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised concern over reports suggesting that the United States may transfer individuals exposed to Ebola into Kenya for medical treatment, warning that such arrangements must not compromise national sovereignty or public safety.
In a statement issued, Maraga said Kenya’s participation in international emergency health cooperation must be guided by full transparency, legal clarity, and strict public health safeguards.
He cautioned that while global partnerships are essential in managing pandemics and outbreaks, they should never expose citizens to unmanaged risks or place health systems under avoidable pressure.
Warning on Sovereignty and Public Risk
“I am alarmed by reports in American and international media suggesting that the United States intends to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for treatment,” he noted. “No partnership should compromise our sovereignty or place the Kenyan public at undue risk.”
Maraga emphasized that any arrangement involving treatment of individuals exposed to highly infectious diseases such as Ebola must be supported by publicly available details and enforceable guarantees.
He called for clear frameworks covering infection prevention protocols, healthcare worker protection, liability structures, and resource allocation.
He further criticized statement by the Health Cabinet Secretary, arguing that it failed to provide sufficient clarity or address key public concerns. According to Maraga, the absence of detailed information has only deepened public anxiety and left critical questions unanswered.
Protection of Healthcare Workers and Citizens
The former Chief Justice also underscored the importance of informed consent for healthcare workers who may be involved in handling high-risk cases, as well as broader safeguards for any Kenyan citizens whose exposure risk could be affected by such an arrangement.
He urged the government to prioritize its constitutional duty to protect citizens, stating that international cooperation must not be conducted in secrecy or without parliamentary and public oversight.
Maraga linked the issue to broader concerns about Kenya’s recent health agreements with foreign partners, which he said have already raised questions about privacy and health rights protections.
He called on the Ministry of Health, the Executive, and Parliament to immediately publish full details of any proposed Ebola-related arrangements, provide credible risk assessments, and ensure all decisions undergo transparent scrutiny before implementation.
“Partnership is welcome, but it must never be conducted in a manner that leaves citizens in the dark on their level of risk,” Maraga said.
