Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders have questioned the government’s handling of the reported Ebola case in Kenya, alleging that the situation could be exploited to access funds under the guise of a public health emergency.
Speaking while adressing aspirants from Kiambu County on Thursday, October 8, the leaders alleged that the situation could be part of a plan to impose a nationwide lockdown thereby curtailing them from political meetings they have been holding across the country.
In his remraks, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala claimed the reported case could be used to create a crisis, unlock funds and potentially advance political interests, including attempts to extend the Kenya Kwanza administration’s tenure.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa said he would seek answers from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the chief executive officer of Kenyatta National Hospital and the company responsible for the flight that transported the reported Ebola patient.
Thang’wa said he wanted the authorities to provide detailed information about the patient and clarify the circumstances surrounding the case, including the measures taken to protect the public.
He also called for scrutiny of the government’s response to establish whether the interventions were strictly guided by public health needs, amid claims by opposition leaders that the situation could be used to solicit donor funding.
Kiambu Woman Representative aspirant Phylis Wangui, who is seeking the seat on a DCP ticket, accused the government of mishandling public communication around the reported case, saying the lack of clarity had fuelled suspicion.
Wangui also raised concerns about proposed health cooperation arrangements with the United States, claiming that Kenyans feared the agreements could facilitate the transfer of Ebola patients to a facility in Laikipia.
While the opposition has raised questions about possible financial and political motives, no evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations that the reported Ebola case is being used to divert public funds or extend the government’s tenure.
