Kenya minister says US-run Ebola facility plans halted after court order

Kenya's Health Minister, Aden Duale, has ordered a halt to the construction of a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia airbase. This decision follows strong public opposition and deadly protests, with three people killed in unrest near the site. Rights groups had petitioned the court, citing a lack of consultation and concerns from Kenyan doctors about the facility's potential impact on the country's health system. The minister's announcement came after he was held in contempt for ignoring previous stop-work orders. The facility, intended for potential US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was to have approximately 50 isolation beds and be managed by US medical staff.

Kenya's Health Minister, Aden Duale, has ordered a halt to preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia air base. This decision follows a high court ruling that held Duale in contempt for ignoring a previous stop-work order. The facility, intended for US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has faced strong opposition from Kenyans, leading to deadly protests. Rights groups had petitioned the court, citing secrecy and lack of consultation in the facility's development. Duale apologized to the court and stated that all construction and preparation activities are suspended pending further court orders. The controversy stems from Kenya's lack of Ebola cases and public concerns about importing the disease, despite US financial support for preparedness efforts.

Kenya's High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt of court for proceeding with construction of a quarantine facility for US nationals infected with Ebola. Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande stated that Duale ignored multiple court orders issued in late May and early June to halt construction at the Laikipia Air Base. The facility was intended for US nationals exposed to the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The plan had previously sparked protests in Kenya, with citizens concerned about importing the virus. The court's order to stop construction followed complaints from the Katiba Institute rights group, which argued the center was developed secretly and without consultation.

Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for defying a High Court order to halt construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki. The court had previously ordered a stop to the building of the 50-bed isolation center, intended for US citizens suspected of contracting Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo, pending a hearing of a case brought by the rights group Katiba Institute. Despite the order, construction continued, leading to the judge's ruling. The project has faced significant local opposition, resulting in protests where three people have died. The Health Ministry had claimed that any ongoing construction was solely by the Kenyan government for national protection. Duale is scheduled for sentencing.

Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for defying a High Court order to halt construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility. The court had previously ordered a stop to the building of the 50-bed isolation center at a military base in Nanyuki while a case brought by the rights group Katiba Institute was heard. Despite this order, Duale allowed the project to continue, leading to the contempt ruling. The facility is intended for US citizens suspected of contracting Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plan has led to protests in Nanyuki, during which three people have died. Duale is scheduled for sentencing on Tuesday.