MOMBASA, Kenya – Kenya must unite in responding to concerns surrounding Ebola and avoid blame games, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) National Chairman, Dr Abidan Mwachi, has said.
Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, October 6, Dr Mwachi called for a coordinated and collaborative approach involving the government, healthcare workers, professional organisations, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to the viral disease.
“It is time to unite and fight Ebola together. It’s not time to point fingers at anyone,” Dr Mwachi said.
He emphasised that the focus should remain on protecting the public, supporting frontline healthcare workers, and ensuring that Kenyans receive accurate and timely information to prevent panic and misinformation.
Dr Mwachi further stressed the urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance systems, enhance early detection, reinforce infection prevention and control measures, and ensure that health facilities across the country are adequately prepared to respond to any suspected cases.
His remarks come at a time when public concern over Ebola has been growing, following reports of outbreaks in the region.
The KMPDU boss reiterated the union’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Health and other partners to safeguard the health and safety of all Kenyans.
Ebola outbreak in Kenya
Kenya reported the first case of Ebola virus disease on October 6, 2026.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo) Virus Disease, which claimed the life of one person who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Nairobi, via Kampala, Uganda.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale said the doctor considered it a case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever and collected a sample for testing, which turned positive for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI Lab.
The CS noted that quarantine arrangements are for 28 persons related to the deceased, including family members and health workers, 23 passengers and 4 crew members who were on the same flight.
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