Nairobi, 22 June 2026

Today, the High Court vindicated the rule of law by finding Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in contempt of court. Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that the government has deliberately violated existing conservatory orders by allowing construction to continue on the proposed US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The Court has summoned CS Duale to appear in court tomorrow, 23 June 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to explain the failure to comply with the previous court orders.  

By finding that CS Duale has, in fact, disclosed all existing, disclosable documents relating to the facility, the Court has shed light on the government’s record-keeping regarding the project. Because these disclosures completely lack any environmental and social impact assessments or safety contingency plans, this finding confirms a deeply alarming reality: the government commenced construction on a high-risk biological quarantine facility without ever conducting the requisite impact assessments or emergency planning. 

Katiba Institute brought this contempt application to defend the authority of the judiciary and Kenyans’ constitutional right to public participation. 

“We are witnessing a profound disrespect for Kenya’s sovereignty and our constitutional rule of law,” said Nora Mbagathi, Executive Director of Katiba Institute. “The fact that construction continued in direct violation of a High Court order shows that the government believed it could operate entirely above the Kenyan judicial system. Today’s ruling sends a clear message: public health initiatives must bow to constitutional accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.”  

Katiba Institute demands the immediate cessation of all activities at the Laikipia site.

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