Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has come out strongly to defend the government’s approach to Ebola preparedness, asserting that no public participation is required as the state moves swiftly to put containment measures in place across the country.
Speaking before Parliament, Duale explained that the government is acting within the powers granted by the Public Health Act, which allows authorities to respond decisively to disease threats without necessarily seeking public consent. He said the measures being implemented include the establishment of quarantine and isolation centers, among them the facility at Laikipia Air Base that has in recent days drawn significant public outcry from residents in the area.
Duale was unapologetic in his remarks, insisting that the urgency of a potential Ebola outbreak leaves no room for lengthy consultations or public debates.
“We don’t need to do public participation. We’re not going to consult citizens. Even Members of Parliament here, when they fall sick, they rush to their doctor to make sure they get the best treatment. So, this epidemic does not require any consultation,” Duale said.
The CS drew a pointed comparison between individual medical decisions and government action during a health emergency, arguing that just as a sick person does not hold a public forum before seeking treatment, the government cannot afford to delay critical health interventions for the sake of consultation.
His remarks, however, are likely to deepen tensions in Laikipia, where thousands of residents took to the streets earlier this week to protest the setting up of the Ebola quarantine facility in their area.
The demonstrations turned deadly after two people were shot and killed by police during the unrest.
Critics argue that while speed is important in managing disease outbreaks, dismissing public participation entirely risks eroding public trust, fueling fear, and making communities less cooperative with health authorities at a time when their cooperation is needed most.
