Kenya's health minister found in contempt of court over U.S.-backed Ebola facility

By — Evelyne Musambi, Associated Press Evelyne Musambi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/kenyas-health-minister-found-in-contempt-of-court-over-u-s-backed-ebola-facility Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Kenya's health minister found in contempt of court over U.S.-backed Ebola facility World Jun 22, 2026 5:17 PM EDT NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale was found in contempt of court on Monday for failing to halt the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility intended for Americans, despite existing court orders. The High Court ordered Duale to appear on Tuesday for sentencing. Earlier this month, the minister defended the project, arguing that the facility at the Laikipia Air Base would benefit both Kenyans and international partners. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The court had previously directed the government to suspend construction of the facility pending the hearing of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute, a constitutional watchdog. The petitioners argued that Kenya's healthcare system is already overstretched and may be unable to manage foreign Ebola patients safely. Residents living near Laikipia Air Base reported seeing U.S. military aircraft landing after the court issued its suspension order on May 29. WATCH: How the loss of USAID has weakened the fight against Ebola President William Ruto has defended the project, saying the U.S. and Kenya have a long-standing partnership in health and security matters. He said the Laikipia facility is one of 24 preparedness centers established to respond to potential Ebola outbreaks. Public opposition to the facility intensified after the U.S. announced that American Ebola patients would not be repatriated and would instead be quarantined abroad. The U.S. has pledged approximately $13 million toward the partnership. WATCH: Doctor who survived Ebola shares concerns about latest outbreak in Central Africa The proposal has sparked protests across Kenya, with some demonstrations turning violent. At least three people were reportedly killed by gunfire during the unrest. The U.S. embassy in Kenya had said the quarantine center posed no risk to locals and that the U.S. was "aware of the court action" and was "actively working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now