Kenya’s High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale guilty of contempt of court after he continued with plans to build a quarantine facility for United States citizens exposed to the Ebola virus, despite court orders to stop the project.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that the minister ignored several orders issued in late May and early June that suspended construction activities at the proposed site in central Kenya.
The facility was planned for US nationals exposed to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and was to be located at the Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki.
The project sparked protests across Kenya, with hundreds of citizens and health workers opposing the plan, arguing that it could expose the country to the virus. Critics also questioned the government’s acceptance of a $13.5 million Ebola preparedness fund from the United States.
President William Ruto defended the agreement, saying it was part of a long-standing partnership between Kenya and its international allies.
The court had earlier ordered the suspension of construction after the Katiba Institute, a rights group, challenged the project, saying it was being developed without proper public consultation.
Despite the court orders, Duale told parliament that the government would continue with the facility.
The minister is expected to appear in court for mitigation and sentencing. Contempt of court in Kenya carries a possible fine of up to 200,000 shillings ($1,500) and/or six months imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC has recorded hundreds of confirmed cases and deaths, while neighbouring Uganda has also reported infections. Medical workers in Kenya have continued to raise concerns over the planned facility.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: