Court Rules Against Health Minister
Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale has been found in contempt of court after allowing construction work to continue on a controversial Ebola quarantine centre funded by the United States.
The High Court had ordered a halt to the project last month. The ruling came after a legal challenge from a human rights organization that raised concerns about public safety. Despite the court’s order, construction activities reportedly continued at the site in Nanyuki.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that the minister knowingly failed to comply with the court’s instructions. The judge emphasized that court orders must be followed and cannot be ignored through technical interpretations or administrative changes.
Controversial Ebola Facility Sparks Debate
The planned 50-bed quarantine centre is being built at a military facility in Nanyuki, a town located about 140 kilometers north of Nairobi.
The facility is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the project has faced strong opposition from local residents and civil society groups. Many fear the centre could create health risks for nearby communities. These concerns have triggered public demonstrations and widespread debate across the country.
Protests Turn Deadly
Tensions surrounding the project have led to several protests in Nanyuki. During clashes between demonstrators and security forces, three people lost their lives.
One of the victims was 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u. Witnesses claimed he suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the unrest. Authorities stated that medical examinations would determine the exact cause of death.
The incidents have increased public scrutiny of both the project and the government’s response to growing concerns.
Rights Group Raised Public Health Concerns
The legal challenge against the facility was filed by the Katiba Institute in May. The organization argued that the quarantine centre could pose serious and immediate risks to public health.
Government officials defended the project and insisted they had not violated the court’s order. They argued that any work that continued after the ruling was being carried out solely by the Kenyan government to strengthen national preparedness against Ebola.
However, the court rejected this argument. Justice Nyaundi stated that all construction activities at the site should have stopped regardless of who was carrying out the work.
President Defends the Project
President William Ruto has publicly supported the Ebola quarantine centre. According to the president, the United States requested Kenya’s assistance in establishing the facility.
Ruto said refusing such a request would have been inhumane given the seriousness of the Ebola outbreak. He also urged citizens and political leaders to avoid turning the issue into a political debate.
The president called for responsible discussions and stressed the importance of protecting public health while addressing national concerns.
What Happens Next?
Aden Duale is expected to face sentencing following the court’s contempt ruling. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the Ebola quarantine facility.
The case continues to attract national attention as Kenyans debate the balance between international cooperation, public health protection, and respect for judicial authority.
