Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi made the remarks while addressing residents of Changamwe, Mombasa County./FILE
Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has called for an independent investigation into allegations surrounding the handling of a possible Ebola-related incident involving a traveller from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, Muturi said a whistleblower had raised concerns about the traveller’s arrival and subsequent transfer to a hospital.
According to the allegations outlined in Muturi’s statement, the individual was allegedly cleared following a telephone communication before being taken to the hospital.
Muturi also cited allegations that the traveller’s history was not fully disclosed to hospital personnel and that family members visited him at the facility.
The claims have not been established in the statement, with Muturi calling for an independent investigation to determine what happened.
“These claims must be independently investigated without delay,” he said.
Muturi argued that, if substantiated, the allegations would raise questions about screening procedures, the implementation of public-health protocols and measures to protect healthcare workers and the public.
He called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to provide what he described as clear and verifiable answers about the handling of the matter.
Among the questions he raised were whether screening and reporting procedures were followed, whether healthcare workers were adequately informed and protected, and whether people who may have been exposed were identified and assessed.
He also sought information on treatment, monitoring, contact tracing and preventive measures put in place where clinically necessary.
“The country needs more than announcements about deaths,” Muturi said.
“It needs visible leadership, a credible account of the response, effective treatment and care for patients, and concrete measures to prevent further loss of life.”
He further called for an assessment of any potential exposure and timely, evidence-based updates to the public.
Muturi said the findings of the proposed investigation should be made public, subject to patient confidentiality and the protection of sensitive personal information.
He maintained that the Cabinet Secretary should take responsibility for explaining the ministry’s handling of the matter and demonstrating that the necessary safeguards were implemented.
“If Hon Aden Duale cannot provide a credible account of the Ministry's handling of this matter, demonstrate that the necessary safeguards and response measures were implemented, and restore public confidence through transparent accountability, then he should resign as Cabinet Secretary for Health,” Muturi said.
The statement did not establish that screening procedures had been breached or that any individual had been infected as a result of the alleged incident.
Muturi said his demand was for answers and accountability, rather than the spread of unverified claims.
He also proposed that a 21-day period of enhanced surveillance and precautionary measures be considered, subject to verified exposure circumstances, the disease’s incubation period and guidance from qualified public-health authorities.
