President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the country is adequately prepared to respond to any Ebola cases following the death of a Kenyan who recently arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, on Wednesday, Ruto said the government had already activated public health measures to contain any potential risk linked to the case.

“We have since taken steps to make sure that we secure our country,” Ruto said.

The President said authorities had identified people who may have come into contact with the patient, including fellow travellers, medical workers who attended to him at Nairobi Hospital and family members.

He said the necessary public health interventions had been put in place for those contacts as the government steps up surveillance.

Ruto urged Kenyans to remain calm, saying health authorities were managing the situation and would continue issuing updates as necessary.

“In the coming hours and days, we will continue to inform the country of the necessary steps that the Government has taken and continue to take to ensure that we raise our surveillance to the highest level,” he said.

The President added that the Ministry of Health had issued guidelines on how members of the public should conduct themselves in public spaces as part of efforts to reduce the risk of transmission.

He said Kenya also has adequate facilities across the country that can be activated should suspected or confirmed cases require isolation and treatment.

The reassurance comes as health authorities intensify monitoring following the death of the Kenyan citizen who had travelled from DR Congo.

Ruto said the government would continue strengthening preparedness and surveillance while keeping the public informed of developments.

He made the remarks during the handover and dedication of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

The government has urged the public to follow official health guidance and avoid panic as authorities monitor those who may have been exposed.

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