Kenya’s High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt of Court for defying orders to halt the construction of a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility at an air base near Nanyuki in central Kenya.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled on Monday, June 22 that Duale proceeded with the project despite Court directives issued in late May and early June, 2026, suspending construction. She stated that the Court could not allow its orders to be disregarded.
The facility, which has sparked protests in Kenya, is intended to accommodate Americans exposed to Ebola during outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Reports indicate that flights carrying medical equipment and specialist personnel have continued to arrive at the air base despite the court orders.
President William Ruto has defended the project, describing it as part of Kenya’s broader preparedness strategy against infectious disease outbreaks. Duale has been ordered to appear before the court on Tuesday for mitigation and sentencing.