Media personality Janet Mbugua has called for honest and regular updates from the government as Kenya faces concerns over Ebola and the possibility of heavy rains that could cause floods and landslides.
Mbugua said the two concerns had come in the same week, joking about the situation while also urging Kenyans to take precautions. She said the public needs clear information to understand the risks and respond to warnings.
“Ebola and El Niño in the same week? Kenya really said buy one, get one free,” Janet Mbugua said on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in an Instagram post.
She referred to reports that Kenya’s first Ebola case went through normal screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before being taken to hospital in a relative’s car. She also noted that the Met Department had warned that the season’s rains could bring floods, landslides and families being pushed out of their homes.
Mbugua calls for clear updates
Mbugua said the government should provide daily updates as the situation develops. She said people need to know about contact tracing and preparations for the expected rains.
“Government, we need daily updates please, honest ones…every contact traced, drains cleared before the storm, not after the funeral,” Janet Mbugua said.
She said there is a trust gap between the public and authorities, which could affect how people respond to warnings. Mbugua explained that people who do not believe the information being given to them may not follow the advice.
“There’s a huge trust deficit with the public right now, and people who don’t believe the warning won’t follow it,” Janet Mbugua said.
Mbugua also called on schools, churches and offices to bring back handwashing stations at their entrances. She linked the suggestion to measures that became common during the COVID-19 period.
“Schools, churches, offices, bring back the handwashing station at the door, yes, like 2020,” Janet Mbugua said.
She also encouraged individuals to prepare for both health and weather concerns. Mbugua suggested carrying an umbrella and sanitiser, while advising people to keep their distance from anyone who is unwell and has travelled from areas where Ebola is spreading.
“You and I? Umbrella and sanitiser in the same bag, keep your distance from anyone unwell who’s travelled from where Ebola is spreading, and if the water is moving, it’s not a shortcut, it’s a no. Prepare what you’re able to,” Janet Mbugua said.
