Kenyan Health Minister Found Guilty of Contempt Over Ebola Facility

Nairobi — Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for continuing construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility despite a court order to halt the project.

"A court order is a command to be obeyed."
— Lady Justice Patricia Nyaundi

Court Ruling

The High Court had issued the order last month pending a case brought by the rights group Katiba Institute. On Monday, Lady Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that Duale knew and understood the court order but allowed construction to proceed. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Project

The 50-bed isolation center, intended for US citizens suspected of contracting Ebola from the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is being built at a military base in Nanyuki.

The project has led to protests, during which three people died, including 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u. Witnesses reported he was shot in the head, but police said they are awaiting post-mortem results.

Legal Arguments

Katiba Institute's petition argued the facility posed "grave and imminent risks" to public health.

The health ministry claimed it had not violated the court order, as ongoing construction was by the Kenyan government in the national interest against Ebola. The judge rejected this defense, stating a court order "is a command to be obeyed."

Presidential Response

President William Ruto defended the project, saying a refusal of the US request would be "inhuman" and urged against politicizing Ebola.