High Court Finds Health CS In Contempt Over Laikipia Air Base Construction Dispute
News Updated: 22 June 2026 20:38 EAT
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has been summoned for sentencing after the High Court found him in contempt over the continued construction of a disputed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Patricia Nyaundi, who determined that court orders suspending the project were not complied with despite being clearly issued and in force. The court held that the continuation of construction activities amounted to disregard of judicial authority.
The case arises from a constitutional petition challenging the establishment of the facility, which forms part of a Kenya–United States health preparedness arrangement aimed at strengthening response capacity for infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola.
Petitioners, among them the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute, argued that the project was being implemented without adequate public participation and raised concerns over safety, governance, and constitutional compliance.
Court records indicate that despite interim orders halting construction, activities at the Laikipia Air Base site reportedly continued, including logistical movements linked to the project.
Justice Nyaundi held that court orders are binding and must be obeyed unless set aside or varied through lawful processes, adding that any continued implementation in defiance undermines the rule of law.
The court further ruled that the conduct attributed to the Health CS met the threshold for contempt, necessitating sentencing proceedings to determine appropriate sanctions.
Duale has been directed to appear before the court on Tuesday for mitigation and sentencing, where he is expected to respond before final orders are issued.
The matter has drawn heightened public interest due to the involvement of a military installation and the sensitivity of Ebola preparedness infrastructure, which is designed for regional disease outbreak response coordination.
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FELIX MAKONA
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