Kenya's health minister found in contempt of court over U.S.-backed Ebola facility

Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale faces legal repercussions after being found in contempt of court for failing to comply with judicial orders to suspend the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility intended for American nationals. The High Court mandated Duale's appearance on Tuesday for sentencing.

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The facility at the Laikipia Air Base would benefit both Kenyans and international partners.

The controversial facility, situated at the Laikipia Air Base, is part of a broader health and security partnership between the U.S. and Kenya. Minister Duale had previously defended the project, asserting its benefits for both Kenyan citizens and international collaborators. The U.S. has committed approximately $13 million towards this initiative, which aims to establish 24 preparedness centers for potential Ebola outbreaks.

However, the project has ignited significant public opposition and protests across Kenya, with some demonstrations escalating to violence, resulting in at least three reported fatalities from gunfire. Concerns stem from the potential strain on Kenya's already overstretched healthcare system and the implications of quarantining foreign Ebola patients domestically. Public outcry intensified following the U.S. announcement that American Ebola patients would be treated and quarantined abroad rather than repatriated.

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The U.S. and Kenya have a long-standing partnership in health and security matters.

The court had initially directed the government to halt construction pending a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute. Despite the court's suspension order on May 29, residents near Laikipia Air Base reported observing U.S. military aircraft landing. The U.S. embassy in Kenya has stated the center poses no risk to locals and is actively engaged with the Kenyan government to address objections.

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The U.S. embassy in Kenya had said the quarantine center posed no risk to locals and that the U.S. was 'aware of the court action' and was 'actively working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections.'