Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has urged the government to abandon plans that could expose Kenyans to Ebola-related research, warning that such decisions could have serious consequences for public health, the economy, and national security.
Citing Kenya’s mission to Haiti, Nyoro has averred that Kenya should learn from past experiences and stop engaging in experiments whose benefits and objectives are unclear.
The Kiharu MP questioned the rationale of accepting financial incentives to participate in Ebola-related initiatives, noting that countries such as the United States have far greater financial resources, stronger healthcare systems, and more advanced research capabilities. He argued that it would be imprudent for Kenya to expose its citizens to the risks associated with Ebola in exchange for funding.
“We cannot allow Kenyans to be exposed to Ebola in the name of money. The government must be careful and reconsider any plans that could put the lives of our people at risk. Such experimentation would be too costly for our economy, too costly for our lives, and too costly for Kenya,” Nyoro said.
Speaking before veterinary students at the University of Nairobi, he noted that diseases such as Ebola originate from animals and said even the students opposed any move that could bring the disease closer to Kenya. He maintained that public participation had already shown strong opposition to such plans and called on the government to prioritize the protection of Kenyan lives above all else.
Nyoro urged leaders to focus on policies that improve the welfare of citizens and safeguard public health rather than undertaking experiments that could expose the country to unnecessary risks.