Blow to Trump as Petition Filed to Block Proposed Ebola Quarantine Facility in Kenya
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Katiba Institute has moved to court seeking to block the proposed establishment of an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya.
According to a statement issued on May 28, 2026, the institute filed the petition under a certificate of urgency through counsel Joshua Malidzo, targeting the Attorney-General and the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
The petition challenges what Katiba Institute describes as a secretive plan to host American citizens exposed to Ebola and other highly infectious diseases in Kenya.
The institute said that the proposal raises serious constitutional and public health concerns.
“KI is asking the Court to determine whether the Executive can expose the public to such significant risks without complying with constitutional safeguards,” Katiba Institute stated.
“At its core, the case is about preserving constitutional accountability, protecting public health, and ensuring that no government may place expediency above the lives and safety of the people of Kenya,” the Institute added.
Katiba Institute Moves to Halt Ebola Facility Plans
Katiba Institute now asks the court to stop any steps toward establishing the Ebola facility.
The institute wants immediate intervention before any agreement moves forward.
To support this request, KI urged the court to act urgently.
“Restrain the Respondents from establishing, operationalising, or approving any Ebola quarantine or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States or other foreign governments, pending the hearing and determination of the matter,” Katiba Institute said.
In addition, Katiba Institute wants the court to prevent the entry of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebola.
The institute argued that the arrangement could expose the public to avoidable health risks.
“Bar the Respondents and their agents from receiving, transferring, or facilitating the entry into Kenya of any individuals exposed or infected with Ebola under the impugned arrangement,” it urged the government.
Also Read: Uganda Film Festival 2026 Suspended Over Ebola Concerns
The Institute Pushes for Emergency Preparedness Plan
At the same time, the Institute pushes for immediate national preparedness.
It wants the Cabinet Secretary for Health to submit a detailed contingency plan within 24 hours.
The institute requires the plan to outline prevention, surveillance, control and response measures for any potential Ebola outbreak.
“Require the Cabinet Secretary for Health to prepare and present to the Court, within 24 hours, a comprehensive contingency plan detailing Kenya’s preparedness measures for the prevention, surveillance, control, and response to any potential Ebola outbreak,” it stated.
Also Read: Govt Breaks Silence on US Plans to Build an Ebola Facility in Kenya
Institute Demands Full Diclosure of Agreements
Furthermore, Katiba Institute demanded full disclosure of all agreements linked to the proposed facility.
It insisted that transparency must guide any public health arrangement involving foreign governments.
“Compel the Respondents to disclose to KI and the public the full terms for any arrangements or negotiations regarding the proposed facility. This includes all related public health, environmental, biosafety, or security assessments; regulatory and parliamentary approvals; and the specific protocols for the admission and treatment of exposed persons,” the institute said.
Beyond these immediate prayers, the case raises broader constitutional questions about executive authority.
The institute warned that bypassing these safeguards undermines the Constitution and threatens fundamental rights, including the right to life, health and fair administrative action.
As the court prepares to hear the matter, the ruling could set an important precedent on how Kenya handles international health arrangements involving diseases like Ebola.
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A photo of doctors handling an Ebola patient. Photo/ file
