Kalonzo Turns to U.S. Over Accountability for Ebola Funds

Kalonzo Turns to U.S. Over Accountability for Ebola Funds

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the United States Embassy in Kenya to help establish how funds allocated to the country’s Ebola preparedness programme are being used.

Kalonzo said he had contacted US officials to seek accountability for financial assistance provided to strengthen Kenya’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to Ebola Virus Disease.

Speaking during a rally in Mombasa on Saturday, October 10, the opposition leader accused the government of failing to adequately protect Kenyans from the threat and demanded transparency in the management of resources allocated to the health sector.

He warned that any misuse of funds intended for disease preparedness could weaken public health systems and put lives at risk.

“Kenyans must not lose their lives because of negligence and corruption.”

Kalonzo’s remarks come after Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case involving a Kenyan national who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient died in Nairobi, prompting health authorities to intensify contact tracing, screening and other response measures.

US commits KSh1.9 billion to Ebola preparedness

In July 2026, the United States announced approximately KSh1.9 billion, equivalent to US$14.5 million, to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.

The funding was intended to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory systems, healthcare worker training, emergency coordination, public communication and screening at points of entry.

The US Embassy said the assistance would help Kenya improve its capacity to prevent, detect and respond to potential outbreaks.

“The United States is providing $14.5 million (1.9 billion KSh) to support Kenya’s preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and enhance the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to potential outbreaks.”

The support targets critical public health systems, including laboratories, trained medical personnel and emergency response infrastructure. These services are important for identifying suspected infections early and limiting the risk of further transmission.

Government clarifies how US funds are managed

Kalonzo’s demand comes amid questions about the management of international assistance for Kenya’s Ebola response.

However, the government has previously clarified that the US funding was not transferred directly to the Ministry of Health.

In September, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the assistance was allocated through implementing partners for specific activities, including surveillance, clinical preparedness, emergency operations and logistics.

This distinction is important in assessing Kalonzo’s demand for accountability. His allegations do not, on their own, establish that the funds have been misused.

The allocation and expenditure of the money would need to be assessed through the relevant financial records and oversight mechanisms.

China also supports Kenya’s response

Kenya has received support from other international partners as authorities strengthen preparedness against Ebola and other public health threats.

China provided a grant reported at approximately KSh259 million to support Ebola response efforts and drought mitigation measures, according to the information cited in reports on the funding.

The assistance comes as health authorities work to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency response systems.

Ebola response under increased scrutiny

Following the imported case, the Ministry of Health stepped up screening and contact tracing to limit the risk of further infections.

The government has also urged the public to rely on official health updates as medical teams continue monitoring potential cases and strengthening preparedness.

Kalonzo’s demand places renewed attention on how Kenya accounts for donor-funded health programmes, particularly during public health emergencies.

His call for US involvement is a demand for greater scrutiny, rather than proof that Ebola funds have been diverted.

The key questions now concern how the assistance has been allocated, which organisations are implementing the funded activities, and what oversight systems are in place to demonstrate that the money is delivering the intended public health benefits.

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Kalonzo Turns to U.S. Over Accountability for Ebola Funds