Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told the court that he has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of the proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, in compliance with an earlier court directive.
Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts on June 23, Duale defended the proposed facility at Laikipia Air Base, stating that the initiative is grounded in scientific guidance and public health preparedness rather than any intention to establish a permanent incubation or isolation centre.
Duale further told the court that the government is fully complying with the court’s directives.
“I have directed the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia Air Base Ebola facility pending the hearing and determination of the court case,” Duale told the court.
Also Read: Duale Gives New Staffing Details on U.S.-Backed Laikipia Ebola Facility After Court Suspension
Duale Defends Construction of the Planned Ebola Facility
Duale defended the planned facility at Laikipia Air Base, insisting it is grounded in scientific guidance and public health preparedness rather than any intention to establish a permanent isolation or incubation centre.
He emphasized that the government is fully complying with court directives, stating that all construction, site preparation, and related activities have been stopped pending the final determination of the case.
“The Ministry of Health and the Government of Kenya remain firmly committed to the rule of law and respect for court orders,” Duale said, adding that decisions within his ministry are based on science, technical advice, and strategic public health interventions.
He further noted that once the conservatory orders were issued, both the Government of Kenya and the United States suspended the proposed collaboration, with the U.S. side also publicly confirming the suspension.
The CS maintained that the ministry never intended to defy or undermine court orders, stressing that compliance was immediate and in good faith.
Also Read: Governor Threatens to Expose Duale Over SHA Irregularities
High Court Declines to Sanction Duale in US-Backed Ebola Facility Dispute
Duale has now escaped punishment after the High Court accepted his apology in contempt proceedings linked to the controversial US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia.
In a ruling delivered on June 23, Justice Patricia Nyaundi said she would not impose any sanctions on the Cabinet Secretary, despite finding that earlier court orders regarding the project had not been fully complied with.
“I have considered all the submissions, including those made by the Cabinet Secretary, the mitigation presented, and the apology tendered,” Justice Nyaundi stated.
However, the judge issued a strong warning to the CS, cautioning that any future disregard for court orders would not be met with similar leniency.
The contempt case arose from claims that construction of the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base continued despite conservatory orders issued by the court.
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