NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale has been found in contempt of court for failing to halt the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility intended for Americans, despite prior court orders. The High Court has scheduled Duale to appear on Tuesday for sentencing.
Earlier this month, Duale defended the project at the Laikipia Air Base, stating it would benefit both Kenyans and international partners. However, the court had previously directed the government to suspend construction pending a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute. These petitioners argued that Kenya’s healthcare system is already strained and may not be equipped to safely manage foreign Ebola patients.
Reports indicate that U.S. military aircraft were seen landing near Laikipia Air Base after the court issued its suspension order on May 29. President William Ruto has defended the project, emphasizing the long-standing health and security partnership between the U.S. and Kenya. He stated that the Laikipia facility is one of 24 preparedness centers established to respond to potential Ebola outbreaks.
Public opposition to the facility intensified following a U.S. announcement that American Ebola patients would not be repatriated and would instead be quarantined abroad. The U.S. has committed approximately $13 million to the partnership.
The proposal has triggered protests across Kenya, with some demonstrations escalating to violence. At least three individuals were reportedly killed by gunfire amid the unrest. The U.S. embassy in Kenya issued a statement asserting that the quarantine center posed no risk to locals and that the U.S. was actively collaborating with the Kenyan government to address objections.