Kenya’s High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale guilty of contempt of court for disobeying judicial orders that halted the construction of a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility at a military air base in central Kenya.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, marks a significant development in a legal dispute that has sparked public protests and heightened debate over Kenya’s role in regional disease preparedness efforts.
According to court documents, Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled that Duale proceeded with the commissioning of construction activities at the site despite court orders issued in late May and early June directing that work be suspended.
“The Court cannot permit its orders to be rendered hollow,” the judge stated in her ruling.
The quarantine facility, located near the town of Nanyuki, has attracted controversy since plans for its establishment became public.
The centre is intended to accommodate American citizens and personnel who may have been exposed to Ebola during ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Opposition to the project has triggered protests in parts of Kenya, with critics questioning both the purpose of the facility and the process through which it was approved.
Despite the court directives, flights carrying medical equipment and specialist personnel have reportedly continued to arrive at the air base.
Flight tracking data, alongside information from diplomatic and United States sources, indicated that logistical operations linked to the project remained active after the court orders were issued.
The Kenyan government has defended the initiative, describing it as part of broader efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
President William Ruto recently justified Kenya’s decision to host the facility, arguing that the project aligns with the country’s strategy for managing potential cross-border disease threats.
In an interview last week, Ruto said Nairobi acted appropriately in allowing the United States to construct the isolation centre as part of collaborative preparedness measures.
Supporters of the project have maintained that the facility would enhance regional capacity to respond to infectious disease outbreaks and improve emergency health infrastructure.
However, opponents have raised concerns over transparency, national sovereignty and compliance with legal procedures.
Following Monday’s ruling, Duale was ordered to appear before the court on Tuesday when judges will consider mitigating factors before determining an appropriate sentence.
Legal experts note that contempt of court findings are intended to reinforce the authority of judicial decisions and ensure compliance with court orders by public officials and institutions.
The outcome of the sentencing hearing is expected to draw significant attention as the controversy surrounding the Ebola quarantine facility continues to generate debate within Kenya and beyond.
The case also highlights the growing tensions between public health preparedness initiatives and concerns about governance, accountability and community engagement in the implementation of major health projects.
