The Justice and Equity Council (JEC) has raised concerns over the proposed establishment of an Ebola research and containment facility in Kenya, alleged encroachment on public land, threats facing Nairobi National Park and the treatment of citizens participating in peaceful demonstrations.
In a statement issued on June 13, 2026, the organization said the issues raise serious constitutional, environmental and public accountability concerns that require urgent national attention. The statement was signed by the Council’s Chairman Sebastian Onyango, Secretary Janet Sutton and Organising Secretary Rose Nyarkaksingri.
The Council questioned the level of public participation and transparency surrounding the proposed Ebola facility, calling on authorities to disclose details regarding its purpose, legal approvals, environmental assessments, biosafety measures and any agreements entered into with foreign governments or institutions. It argued that projects involving highly infectious pathogens must be subjected to the highest standards of public scrutiny and oversight.
JEC also expressed concern over reports of alleged irregular acquisition and privatization of public land, urging the government to conduct a nationwide audit of disputed public land transactions and suspend contested allocations pending independent investigations. According to the Council, public land should remain protected as a resource held in trust for all Kenyans.
On Nairobi National Park, the organization warned against developments that could threaten the park’s ecosystem, wildlife corridors and long-term sustainability. The Council described the park as a national asset of immense environmental, ecological and economic importance and called for any proposed developments affecting it to undergo full public participation and independent environmental review.
The Council further criticized reports of arrests and intimidation targeting individuals who have participated in demonstrations relating to environmental conservation, public land disputes and concerns surrounding Nairobi National Park. It maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right protected under Kenyan law and called for the release of any persons detained solely for participating in lawful demonstrations.
In its statement, JEC said it would begin consultations with Members of Parliament, constitutional experts, civil society organizations and other stakeholders on possible constitutional accountability measures against public officials found to have violated their obligations under the Constitution. The organization stated that where lawful investigations establish evidence of constitutional violations, abuse of office or serious misconduct, appropriate action should follow.
Among its demands, the Council called for full disclosure of all agreements and approvals relating to the proposed Ebola facility, suspension of activities where legal compliance remains unresolved, protection of Nairobi National Park, investigations into alleged constitutional violations, and enhanced parliamentary oversight.
The statement concluded by urging Kenyans to remain peaceful, vigilant and united in defending constitutional governance, environmental protection and public accountability.
