Ebola quarantine facility dispute: Kenya court finds Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt

Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale was found in contempt of court on Monday over an Ebola quarantine project at Laikipia Air Base. The High Court said Duale failed to stop building work despite existing orders. The court directed Duale to appear on Tuesday, when sentencing is expected.

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The dispute centres on a facility meant to quarantine Americans during an Ebola emergency. A High Court order had told the government to pause construction until a legal challenge is heard. The case was filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute, a constitutional watchdog.

Kenya Ebola quarantine facility faces High Court orders

The petitioners said Kenya’s health system is already under heavy strain. They argued it may not safely handle Ebola patients from abroad. The court’s earlier directive aimed to stop work until the judges review the legal objections. The suspension order was issued on May 29, according to the court record.

People living near Laikipia Air Base said they noticed US military aircraft arriving after May 29. Residents linked those landings to the planned quarantine centre. The reports added to local concern over what activity continued at the site. The legal order had required a halt while the case moved forward.

Kenya Ebola quarantine facility prompts political and public response

Earlier this month, Duale defended the plan and said it would serve more than one group. Duale argued that the base facility would support Kenyans and overseas partners during an outbreak. President William Ruto also backed the project. Ruto said it reflects a long partnership with the US on health and security.

Ruto said the Laikipia site is part of a wider national plan. Ruto described it as one of 24 preparedness centres meant for possible Ebola outbreaks. The US has pledged about $13 million to support the partnership. Public anger grew after the US said American Ebola patients would not be repatriated.

The proposal led to protests in several parts of Kenya, and some turned violent. Reports said at least three people were killed by gunfire during the unrest. The US embassy in Kenya had said the quarantine center posed no risk to locals and that the US was aware of the?court action and was actively working with the?Kenyan?government to resolve any objections.

With inputs from PTI