Court Rules on Duale Contempt Case Over Laikipia Ebola Facility Construction

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has been pardoned after apologising to the High Court over contempt proceedings linked to the proposed Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base.

Justice Nyaundi on Tuesday, June 23, declined to jail Duale after accepting his apology and noting that he had ordered the immediate suspension of all construction and related activities at the facility pending the hearing and determination of the case.

“The Ministry of Health and the Government of Kenya remain firmly committed to the rule of law, respect for court orders, and the independence of the judiciary,” Duale told the court.

“I have directed the immediate and complete stoppage of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities at the Laikipia Air Base facility until the court hears and determines the case or gives further orders.

Duale Orders Immediate Halt to Laikipia Ebola Facility

Duale said Kenya and the United States suspended their planned partnership on the facility immediately after the court issued conservatory orders.

Also Read: Duale Summoned Over Contempt of Court in Laikipia Ebola Facility Case

He said the Ministry of Health understood the court’s decision to mean that the implementation of the proposed project had been put on hold.

He added that neither he nor the ministry intended to ignore or go against the court’s orders.

The CS also apologised to the court, saying he has always respected the Constitution and the judiciary throughout his years in public service.

“I would be the last person to disregard a court order. I sincerely regret any action, omission, or misunderstanding that may have suggested otherwise,” he said.

Why the Facility Was Planned

Duale defended the proposed facility, saying it was meant to protect the country from possible Ebola infections among Kenyan soldiers serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

He explained that the soldiers regularly return to Kenya during leave, family emergencies, or after completing their deployment.

Also Read: Kenya Set to Receive Ksh 74 Billion EU Support as G7 Moves to Curb Ebola Spread

According to him, having a dedicated isolation facility at the military air base would reduce the risk of exposing the public if any returning soldier was suspected of carrying the virus.

He also dismissed fears that the facility would expose nearby communities to Ebola, saying the air base is located away from populated areas and has strict security measures that reduce any risk to the public.

Duale further revealed that he advised President William Ruto not to travel to Congo-Brazzaville for a regional summit in May because of the Ebola situation.

Instead, the President attended the meeting virtually, while members of his advance team who travelled to Congo were quarantined for 21 days after returning to Kenya.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Ebola PPE. PHOTO/Talk Africa