The Democratic Party of Kenya has called for an independent investigation into allegations of a breach of Ebola screening protocols at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), demanding answers from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
In a statement, the party raised concerns over a whistleblower’s account alleging that an individual described as “Patient Zero,” reportedly travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was cleared at the airport following a phone call instead of undergoing the required screening procedures.
The party claimed the individual was subsequently taken to a hospital, where they may have come into contact with healthcare workers, other patients and members of the public.
It further raised concerns over allegations that the individual’s full travel history was not disclosed to hospital personnel and that family members visited the patient at the facility.
The Democratic Party said the allegations, if confirmed, would raise serious questions about compliance with public health protocols and the handling of potential infectious disease risks.
The party called on Duale to provide verifiable answers about the alleged incident, including whether established screening and isolation procedures were followed and whether any official intervened in the process.
It also demanded an immediate, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the individual’s arrival, screening and subsequent hospital admission.
The party urged the Ministry of Health, airport authorities and the hospital involved to preserve all relevant records to facilitate investigations and establish what happened.
Additionally, it called for transparent protection and support for frontline healthcare workers who may have been involved in the incident, stressing that they should not be left exposed to risks or penalised for raising legitimate concerns.
The party maintained that public health safeguards must be applied consistently, arguing that no telephone call, political connection or position of authority should override established disease prevention procedures.
The allegations outlined in the statement have not been independently verified. The statement, on its own, does not establish that an Ebola screening breach occurred or confirm that the individual was infected with the virus.
