Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has avoided further contempt of court action after personally appearing before the High Court and confirming that the controversial U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine project linked to Laikipia Air Base has been suspended.
The court had summoned Duale over concerns that government officials may have failed to comply with earlier court orders regarding the proposed Ebola-related facility in Laikipia. His appearance and assurance that the project would not proceed played a key role in the court’s decision to close the matter, while issuing a strong warning on future compliance with court directives.
During the court hearing, Duale told the judge that the Kenyan government and the United States had stopped plans for the proposed Ebola quarantine project.
He also said that the Ministry of Health remains committed to following the Constitution, obeying court orders, and respecting the independence of the courts.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to the constitutional principles of the rule of law, respect for court orders, and the independence of the Judiciary,” Duale said.
Following his appearance and confirmation that the project had been suspended, the court declined to take further contempt proceedings against the Health CS. However, it issued a stern warning emphasizing the importance of complying with court orders in the future.
The proposed Ebola quarantine project sparked public concern and court cases, with many people questioning how it was planned, whether the public had been properly consulted, and if it followed the law.
