Matiang’i Questions Government’s Ebola Surveillance Response, Calls for Unified National Action

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Jubilee Party presidential candidate Dr. Fred Matiang’i has questioned the government’s handling of Ebola surveillance, urging President William Ruto’s administration to strengthen coordination and communication as the country responds to the health threat.

Speaking during his Coastal tour, Matiang’i challenged claims that the country had enhanced surveillance, pointing out that the first reported Ebola patient had already passed through the airport, returned home and later sought medical attention before the situation was identified.

Matiang’i, however, cautioned against turning the health crisis into a political blame game, saying the priority should be protecting lives and containing the threat.

He called on the government to close ranks with opposition leaders and other civic actors, offering their support in amplifying public health messages and helping Kenyans understand the measures required to protect themselves.

“This is not the time to point fingers at each other. This is a national crisis,” Matiang’i said, urging the government to work with all stakeholders in the response.

Drawing from his experience as Interior Cabinet Secretary during the Covid-19 pandemic, Matiang’i said the government should by now have established a central command structure to coordinate surveillance, data collection and public communication.

He proposed a national surveillance centre linked to county-level structures to ensure that information is collected and acted upon promptly.

The former Interior CS also called for a comprehensive public advisory campaign to guide Kenyans on the necessary precautions and appropriate steps to take in the event of suspected infections.

Matiang’i urged the government to make its response more organised, consistent and proactive, warning that delays and poor coordination could undermine efforts to contain the outbreak.

At the same time, he appealed to members of the public to cooperate with health authorities and follow official guidance.

He said the Ministry of Health and its agencies have the structures and technical capacity needed to coordinate information and mount an effective response, provided the available systems are properly organised and deployed.

Matiang’i said opposition leaders were ready to support efforts aimed at informing the public, insisting that cooperation between the government and political leadership is essential during a national emergency.