Premium
Opposition faults Ruto over Ebola facility, rejects Finance Bill 2026
From left: Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his counterparts Rigathi Gachagua(DCP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) and Justin Muturi (DP) attending Wiper Patriotic Front national delegates’ convention at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on October 10, 2025.
The opposition has launched a scathing attack against the government over the controversial Ebola quarantine facility planned for Laikipia County, accusing the State of secrecy, poor leadership and failure to earn public trust.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the convenor of the group that styles itself as the United Alternative Government (UAG) and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the public uproar surrounding the reported Ebola arrangements was a direct consequence of the government's handling of the matter.
"The ongoing public uproar over the Ruto regime's handling of the Ebola situation is entirely of his own making," Mr Kalonzo said. "Instead of providing timely information, consulting stakeholders, and reassuring the public, this Ruto regime has chosen secrecy, half-truths, and arrogance."
The opposition said Kenyans had been left in the dark regarding the agreements, protocols and commitments entered into by the government concerning Ebola-related programmes and facilities.
They have demanded the immediate publication of all documents relating to the arrangements, arguing that citizens have a right to know what commitments the government has made on their behalf.
"We demand the immediate publication of all agreements, protocols, commitments, and related documentation concerning Ebola-related programmes, facilities, and arrangements. Kenyans have a right to know what their government is doing in their name," the statement said.
The coalition argued that any arrangement involving one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases must be subjected to the highest levels of transparency, accountability and public scrutiny.
The remarks come amid mounting political and legal opposition to plans to establish an Ebola quarantine, isolation and treatment facility at the Kenya Defence Forces' Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia County.
The principals have further questioned the government's capacity to manage such a sensitive public health undertaking, pointing to persistent challenges facing the country's healthcare system.
"More fundamentally, this controversy has exposed a painful contradiction. A government that cannot adequately equip public hospitals, guarantee the availability of essential medicines, or address the chronic challenges facing our healthcare system, now expects Kenyans to blindly trust its assurances on a matter of such grave national importance," he said.
Finance Bill protest
The opposition maintained that public confidence cannot be built through secrecy.
"Trust is the currency of leadership, and transparency is the foundation upon which that trust is built. This regime has failed both tests," the statement added.
At the same time, the opposition has also used the statement to reject the Finance Bill 2026, accusing the government of ignoring lessons from the anti-finance Bill protests that rocked the country in June 2024.
They described the bill as another attempt to burden Kenyans with additional taxes at a time when businesses and households are already struggling under the weight of a high cost of living.
"The Finance Bill 2026 is further proof that the Ruto regime has learnt nothing and forgotten everything from the June 25 Revolution that nearly overthrew his regime," Mr Kalonzo said in the statement.
The coalition accused the government of pursuing a policy of "tax more, borrow more" while failing to tackle corruption, wastage and inefficiency in public spending.
"A Government that has failed to curb corruption, eliminate waste, and deliver value for public expenditure has no moral authority to demand further sacrifices from citizens already struggling to make ends meet," the statement read.
The opposition said it would oppose any provisions in the bill that increase the burden on workers, farmers, traders and small businesses while leaving corruption and wasteful expenditure untouched.
The coalition further reiterated its support for the slogan "Wantam," which has become popular among opposition supporters, arguing that young Kenyans who protested against the 2024 Finance Bill were demanding accountability rather than opposing the government itself.
On the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, the coalition announced that it had agreed to back a single opposition candidate who will be identified through an independent scientific survey and opinion polling process.
According to the opposition, the move is aimed at avoiding divisions within its ranks and maximizing its chances of securing victory in the constituency. The coalition also warned against voter bribery, intimidation and misuse of public resources during the campaign period.
"We specifically warn against voter bribery, the misuse of public resources, intimidation of voters, and the deployment of State machinery to influence the outcome," the statement said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
