Kenya’s health minister, Aden Duale, on Tuesday directed the immediate cessation of all preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, following a court ruling that held him in contempt for ignoring a previous stop-work order. The minister appeared before the high court and apologized, stating that he had ordered a complete halt to any construction, site preparation, or related activities pending the hearing of a substantive petition or further court orders.
Background of the Controversy
The facility, which was announced in May 2026, was designed to quarantine US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is experiencing a major Ebola outbreak. It was constructed at Laikipia Air Base, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Nairobi, and was expected to include about 50 isolation beds managed by US medical staff. The plan sparked strong opposition from Kenyans, leading to deadly protests since its announcement.
Court Proceedings and Contempt Ruling
Rights groups had petitioned the high court, arguing that the facility was being developed secretly without public consultation. The court initially issued an order to stop work on the site, which the government ignored. On Monday, the court found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt for failing to respond to the order and summoned him for sentencing. During Tuesday’s hearing, Duale apologized and confirmed the halt, saying, “I have directed the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia Air Base facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court.”
Protests and Casualties
Three people have been killed in unrest near the facility in Laikipia. The opposition stems from the fact that Kenya has never recorded a case of Ebola, and many residents oppose bringing potential carriers of the highly contagious disease into the country. Critics also view the US plan as having colonial overtones.
US Funding and Response
The United States has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts. However, this funding has not alleviated public concerns, and the controversy continues to fuel protests and legal challenges. The court’s ruling marks a significant setback for the US-backed project, which had already faced widespread condemnation.
