Kenya's health minister told a court he had ordered preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility to stop, after being held in contempt for ignoring a previous order to end work. The decision follows widespread opposition and deadly protests since the complex was announced in May.
Background of the Controversy
The US facility was being constructed at Laikipia air base in Nanyuki, about 125 miles from Nairobi, with about 50 isolation beds. It was expected to be managed by US medical staff for US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is grappling with a widespread Ebola outbreak. As of 20 June, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC and more than 250 deaths. Neighbouring Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.
Legal and Public Opposition
Rights groups had petitioned the court, saying the facility was being developed secretly and without consultation. Last month, the high court ordered a stop to the centre’s construction until the groups’ case was heard. After the government continued to press ahead, the court on Monday held Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt, stating he would appear for sentencing. On Tuesday, Duale apologised to the court and ordered "the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia airbase facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court." Judge Patricia Nyaundi Mande discharged Duale with a warning.
Protests and Fatalities
Three people have been killed in protests against the quarantine centre. Two died on 1 June and another was shot dead by police on 9 June. Many Kenyans oppose bringing potential carriers of the highly contagious disease into the country. Dr Davji Atellah from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union said last month: "If it is too dangerous for America, it is too dangerous for Kenya."
Government and US Stance
In court, Duale defended the facility, saying fears Ebola would spread were "scientifically unfounded." President William Ruto said earlier this month that Kenya was doing "the right thing." The US has promised $13.5m (£10.2m) to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts. However, specialist staff and medical equipment continued to be flown into the airbase after last month’s order, according to US officials and diplomats cited by Reuters. Satellite imagery from 22 June showed a buildup of structures including tents and paved areas.
Broader Context
During previous Ebola outbreaks, the US allowed its citizens to return home for treatment. This time, officials said they would not allow anyone with the disease to enter the US. In May, an American doctor who contracted Ebola in the DRC was flown to Germany for care. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 15 May. Modelling by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests this outbreak could be the largest on record, surpassing the 2014-2016 west Africa outbreak that infected over 28,000 people and killed more than 11,000. The current strain is the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no vaccine or approved treatment.
