Kenyan court finds health minister in contempt over Ebola site

Kenya's High Court has declared Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt of court for defying orders to halt construction of a quarantine facility intended for U.S. nationals infected with the Ebola virus. Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande stated on Monday that Duale proceeded with construction at the site in central Kenya despite multiple directives issued in late May and early June to cease all activities.

"The Court cannot permit its orders to be rendered hollow," the judge wrote, according to Reuters. The facility was planned for U.S. nationals exposed to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, to be housed at the Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki.

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The Court cannot permit its orders to be rendered hollow.

Despite Kenya recording no Ebola infections, the plan ignited protests last month from hundreds of Kenyans. Demonstrators and healthcare workers voiced concerns about potentially importing the virus and criticized the government's acceptance of a $13.5 million Ebola preparedness contribution from the U.S.

President William Ruto defended the decision, stating he "gave the okay" for the site as part of a long-standing partnership with the U.S. However, the Katiba Institute rights group filed complaints, arguing the center was developed secretly and without consultation. The NGO has demanded details on health and biosafety assessments, regulatory approvals, and operational protocols.

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gave the okay

Despite the court rulings, Duale maintained the facility would proceed, telling parliament earlier this month that the government "will not stop it." Duale is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for mitigation and sentencing. Contempt of court can result in a fine of up to 200,000 shillings ($1,500) and/or six months in jail.

The Ebola outbreak has seen significant cases and deaths in the DRC and Uganda. As of June 17, the DRC reported 896 confirmed cases and at least 232 deaths, while Uganda had 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths. The virus has also affected healthcare workers, with 17 deaths recorded among 75 infected professionals in the DRC. Kenyan doctors and medical professionals have expressed strong opposition to the Nanyuki site, warning it could strain the country's already fragile health system.

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will not stop it