Kenya Health Minister Held in Contempt Over Ebola Facility

A Kenyan High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt of court over construction work at a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility in central Kenya.

The facility is being built at Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki. It is intended to quarantine Americans who may be exposed to Ebola during outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled that Duale failed to comply with earlier court orders that suspended construction of the facility.

Duale later said construction had been halted immediately. Reuters reported that the court discharged him with a warning and did not impose further punishment.

The project has drawn public opposition in Kenya, with protesters and civil society groups questioning the health risks and the terms of Kenya’s agreement with the United States.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute have challenged the plan in court, arguing that Kenya’s health system could be placed under further pressure.

President William Ruto has defended the facility, saying Kenya’s cooperation with international partners is aimed at strengthening preparedness against infectious diseases.

Reuters previously reported that flights carrying medical equipment and personnel continued to arrive at the site after court orders were issued.

It was not immediately clear when the court would make a final determination on the wider case challenging the project.

SOURCE: Reuters, AP