Govt Dismisses Claims It Is Using Ebola Case to Seek Funding

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino addressed compensation claims regarding land set aside for the East Africa Oil Refinery project in Lamu, insisting that the state previously compensated and relocated all legitimate land occupants.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing at Harambee Annex on Monday, October 12, 2026, Owino acknowledged that protests erupted following the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, where several individuals claimed they had not received payment for their land.

Lamu Port Infrastructure and Land Ownership

Owino clarified that the government allocated approximately 28,199 hectares of land to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to build key port infrastructure. The overall development plan accommodates around 32 shipping berths, with KPA completing three berths while Dangote prepares to construct five additional berths.

He stated that roughly 90 families originally occupied the land before the government launched a structured compensation and resettlement campaign.

To facilitate the process, KPA transferred KSh 1.4 billion to the National Land Commission (NLC) to compensate the affected families, Owino explained.

The government spokesperson confirmed that while the state compensated and relocated the families, the underlying land title remained registered under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project.

He stated that no legitimate outstanding compensation claims exist for the Mukowe property, asserting that individuals presenting title deeds rely on fraudulent documents. He added that the judiciary has ruled on the ownership dispute, and ongoing investigations will uncover any irregularities that occurred while the property remained under LAPSSET management.

Addressing Ebola Claims and Calling Against Politicization

Addressing recent public health developments, Owino refuted claims circulating online that the government is leveraging an imported Ebola case to solicit external funding.

He urged political leaders and the public to stop politicizing national public health measures, pointing out that international cooperation remains a standard component of global disease surveillance protocols. Owino stressed that authorities must manage health emergencies responsibly, warning that politically charged statements undermine public trust in national surveillance and containment programs.

Preparations for Mashujaa Day and Samburu Incident

Turning to national celebrations, Owino announced that Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret will host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026. Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties will jointly host the event.

The multi-county hosting model aims to drive sports development and generate new commercial opportunities across the three counties. Celebrations will focus on three key pillars: sports, security, and finance. Owino invited citizens to attend the event in large numbers.

The spokesperson also briefly mentioned a livestock shooting incident in Samburu County, noting that state agencies will share additional details as investigations progress.

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