Health Cabinet secretary Aden Duale has confirmed the suspension of the Kenya – US Health deal involving the construction of an ebola quarantine facility for US Citizens at The laikipia Airbase.
Duale who physically appeared in court after he was found in contempt of a court order has said the Kenyan government will adhere to a court order temporarily halting the deal that has drawn condemnation from the public.
“The Ministry of Health remains firmly committed to the constitutional principles of the rule of law, respect for court orders, and the independence of the Judiciary,” Duale stated.
The Cabinet secretary who has been a vocal proponent of the establishment of the ebola facility has told the court that he did not intentionally defy orders of the court in a case filed by Katiba institute.
“It was never the intention of the ministry or mine as the Cabinet secretary to undermine the orders of the court.” Duale has said.
Katiba institute had gone to court seeking contempt orders against Duale after it emerged that construction works were going on at the location of the proposed quarantine centre despite an order temporarily barring them.
Duale has however refuted claims that the quarantine facility will lead to importation and spread of the deadly virus that has so far affected 1000 people in the DRC.
“The fear that the Laikipia facility could serve as a vehicle for Ebola importation into surrounding community is scientifically unfounded” Duale told the court.
He has added that the facility is located at a “military airbase with strict access protocols”.
The US Ebola deal led to major demonstrations in Nanyuki, Laikipia county with locals accusing the government of ‘selling them out to the US government’ after it emerged that the US would offer financial aid to boost Kenya’s Ebola preparedness.
