Muturi demands Duale’s resignation over Ebola response failures

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has demanded that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale resign, citing allegations of inadequate response to Kenya's first imported Ebola case. Muturi, who heads the Democratic Party of Kenya, pointed to a whistleblower's claims which raised questions about screening procedures, disclosure of travel histories and protection of healthcare workers.

The whistleblower, referred to as Patient Zero, had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Muturi alleged that the patient was cleared following a phone call, and later interacted with healthcare workers and the public. He also claimed that the patient's travel history was not fully disclosed to hospital staff, and family members visited him during his care.

Muturi emphasized the need for an independent investigation to determine if public-health protocols were followed, and called on Duale to provide detailed answers on the screening and reporting procedures, protection of healthcare workers, identification of exposed individuals, and measures to contain the risk of transmission. The former Attorney General urged the Ministry of Health, airport authorities, and the hospital involved to preserve relevant records and provide timely, evidence-based updates. Muturi cautioned against panic, insisting that the allegations needed independent verification.