Katiba Institute Demands Punishment for Duale Over Defiance of Court Orders
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is facing renewed scrutiny over the controversial Sh1.7 billion Ebola quarantine facility being constructed at Nanyuki Airbase following fresh court action by Katiba Institute.
The legal rights organization has returned to court seeking punitive measures against Duale and the Attorney General, accusing the government of defying court orders that halted the construction of the facility.
The project, funded through a partnership between Kenya and the United States government, was intended to provide a quarantine and treatment center for American nationals infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The dispute has reignited public debate over transparency, sovereignty, and adherence to court rulings in the implementation of major government projects.
According to court documents filed by Katiba Institute, the government allegedly continued with construction activities despite an earlier court order suspending the project pending determination of a constitutional petition challenging its legality.
The organization argues that proceeding with the works amounts to contempt of court and undermines the rule of law.
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The case has also drawn attention because of what critics describe as a shift in position by Duale regarding the nature and purpose of the facility.
Earlier government communications had sought to downplay concerns surrounding the project, insisting that it posed no threat to Kenyan citizens and was intended to strengthen regional disease preparedness.
However, recent disclosures about the project’s funding, intended beneficiaries, and operational framework have fueled questions from civil society groups and local leaders who are demanding greater public participation and disclosure of the agreement between Kenya and the United States.
Katiba Institute maintains that the project raises significant constitutional and public health concerns, including whether proper environmental and public participation procedures were followed before construction commenced.
The organization is now urging the court to hold both Duale and the Attorney General personally accountable for any continued violation of judicial directives.
Government officials have defended the facility as an important component of international health security cooperation, arguing that Kenya remains a strategic partner in efforts to contain infectious disease outbreaks in the region.
The court battle comes at a time when East Africa remains on heightened alert following recurring Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries.
Health experts have emphasized the importance of preparedness measures but insist that such initiatives must comply with legal and constitutional requirements.
As the case returns to court, attention will be focused on whether the judiciary will impose sanctions against senior government officials and whether construction at the Nanyuki Airbase facility will ultimately be allowed to proceed.
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