Controversial preacher James Ng’ang’a has strongly criticised the proposed Ebola quarantine facility expected to be set up in Laikipia County for Americans exposed to the deadly virus.
Speaking in a viral video shared online, Pastor Ng’ang’a questioned why Kenya should host the facility instead of the United States handling the matter within its own borders. He warned that the move could expose Kenyans to danger if the disease spreads.
“Why can’t they build it in America? Why bring Ebola patients here?” the preacher asked during his sermon, drawing cheers from some members of his congregation.
His remarks come days after reports emerged that the United States government had received approval to establish a quarantine and treatment centre at Laikipia Air Base for Americans exposed to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to international media reports, the facility was expected to host exposed individuals under the supervision of the U.S. Public Health Service. Kenyan authorities, however, said the centre would also strengthen the country’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
The proposed project has sparked heated debate across Kenya, with leaders, lawyers and health workers raising concerns about public safety and lack of public participation. Leaders from Laikipia County rejected the plan, saying residents were not properly consulted before the decision was made.
A Kenyan court has since temporarily suspended the project following petitions filed by civil society groups and the Kenya Law Society. The court barred the government from admitting or transferring Ebola-exposed persons into the country under the proposed arrangement until the case is heard.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the plan, saying the facility was part of broader efforts to prepare Kenya against a possible Ebola outbreak and would not only serve U.S. citizens.
The debate continues to attract strong reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing mixed feelings over the controversial proposal.