Kenya Minister Halts US‑Backed Ebola Quarantine Centre After Court Ruling

Aden Duale, the Health Minister of Kenya, has stopped the construction of a controversial 50‑bed Ebola quarantine facility that was supported by the United States, after facing contempt of court.

After appearing in court, the minister apologized and ordered the immediate cessation of work at the military base in Nanyuki.

The court had earlier ruled that the construction should halt until a rights‑group case could be heard. Duale had ignored the order, leading to contempt of court.

Protests in Nanyuki turned violent, claiming police used excessive force and killing three people, including 17‑year‑old Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u.

The site, located at a military airbase, was deemed safe, but a major health union criticized Kenya as a “containment colony” for a pathogen it did not create.

US aid includes $13.5m for Kenyan Ebola preparedness, part of a $112m regional response to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President William Ruto defended the plan, arguing that refusing the U.S. request would be “inhuman” and that the government should not politicise the issue.