Residents of Tharaka in Tharaka Nithi County are calling for the temporary suspension of public meetings and political rallies as Kenya steps up measures to contain the spread of Ebola.
The residents say large gatherings could increase person-to-person contact and make it more difficult for health authorities to contain the disease should transmission occur in the community.
Their concerns come after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease. The patient, a Kenyan who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travelled through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3. He later died after testing positive for the virus.
They say they are particularly concerned about the possibility of restrictions similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when quarantine measures disrupted businesses and daily economic activities.
According to the residents, temporarily limiting large gatherings would help reduce unnecessary physical contact while giving health authorities more time to strengthen surveillance and contact-tracing efforts.
The calls come as the Ministry of Health intensifies its response to the confirmed Ebola case. As of Wednesday, 10 people had been placed in quarantine while health officials had identified 57 contacts linked to the case.
Health authorities have also advised Kenyans to avoid large gatherings, handshakes and hugs as part of measures to minimise physical contact.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said large gatherings could create opportunities for contact and potential transmission, urging Kenyans to temporarily adopt alternative greetings such as waving.
The Ministry of Health has maintained that the confirmed case was imported and has urged the public to remain vigilant without panicking.
Authorities have intensified surveillance, contact tracing and testing, while response teams have been deployed to monitor people who may have come into contact with the deceased patient.
The government has also expanded surveillance at points of entry as it works to prevent further transmission.
For residents of Tharaka, however, the situation has renewed calls for early preventive action, with community members urging authorities to consider limiting gatherings before any local transmission is confirmed.
The residents say early intervention would help protect communities while allowing health officials to strengthen preparedness and response measures.
