By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, June 11 ,2026 - The High Court has certified as urgent a petition seeking to have Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale cited for contempt of court over alleged defiance of orders suspending the establishment of a controversial United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya.
The application was filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and activist Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, who argued that government officials continued pursuing plans related to the facility despite a court order issued earlier barring its implementation pending determination of a constitutional petition.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye certified the matter as urgent and directed that it be heard on a priority basis, escalating a dispute that has sparked heated public debate over Kenya's role in regional Ebola preparedness efforts.
The petitioners accuse Duale of disregarding court directives by allegedly making public statements and taking actions that suggest the government intends to proceed with aspects of the project despite judicial intervention.
According to court documents, the applicants want the Health CS held personally accountable for what they describe as deliberate disobedience of lawful court orders.
The case stems from a broader legal challenge filed against the government's involvement in plans linked to an Ebola preparedness programme supported by the United States government.
The initiative has generated significant controversy in recent weeks, with critics questioning why Kenya would host a facility intended to manage individuals potentially exposed to the Ebola virus.
Public concern intensified after reports emerged that the United States had committed approximately KSh1.7 billion ($13.5 million) toward Ebola preparedness efforts in Kenya even as opposition to the proposed quarantine facility continued to grow.
The controversy prompted legal action, culminating in a court order temporarily halting the establishment of the facility and barring the government from receiving individuals exposed to Ebola until the matter is fully heard and determined.
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In the latest application, the petitioners argue that respect for court orders is fundamental to constitutional governance.
"No person, regardless of office, is above the law or exempt from obeying court orders," the applicants state in their pleadings.
The petitioners further contend that failure to enforce court directives risks undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.
The government has maintained that its Ebola preparedness measures are aimed at protecting public health and strengthening the country's capacity to respond to potential outbreaks.
Officials have repeatedly emphasized that Kenya remains a major regional transport hub and must remain prepared for cross-border health emergencies.
However, opponents of the project insist that the government should first provide full transparency regarding any agreements entered into with foreign governments and clarify the exact purpose, scope and operational control of the proposed facility.
The court's decision to certify the contempt application as urgent means the matter is expected to move swiftly through the judicial process as public scrutiny over the Ebola preparedness programme continues to intensify.
The case is likely to be closely watched, not only because of its public health implications, but also because it raises broader questions about government accountability, judicial authority and the balance between national health security and constitutional oversight.