Relief For CS Duale After High Court Rules In US-Backed Ebola Facility Case
Aden Duale, the Health Cabinet Secretary, escaped punishment after the High Court accepted his apology for contempt proceedings involving the infamous US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia.
In a decision issued on Tuesday, June 23, Justice Patricia Nyaundi declined to impose sanctions on the CS despite finding that court directives pertaining to the project had not been completely obeyed.
“I have noted all the submissions, including those by the Cabinet Secretary, the mitigation presented, and the apology rendered,” Justice Nyaundi ruled.
The judge, on the other hand, warned Duale not to violate court orders in the future, warning that if a similar circumstance arose again, the court would be less forgiving.
Duale’s contempt case:
Court spares Duale in contempt of court proceedings
Health CS cleared over Ebola quarantine facility dispute
Ruling ends case stemming from alleged disobedience of court orders#CitizenBriefs pic.twitter.com/1WaRUVFowh— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 23, 2026
The contempt actions arose from charges that construction on the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base continued despite the court’s conservatory orders.
Appearing before the court, Duale sought forgiveness and assured the judge that the government would fully comply with all court directives going forward, amid calls by the petitioners to have him sentenced to 15 months in jail.
He told the court that he had ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities at the facility pending the hearing and determination of the case.
CS Aden Duale: I would be the last person to disregard or violate a court order. I sincerely regret any action, omission, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation that may have resulted in non-compliance or created the perception thereof pic.twitter.com/7ee1IVpy6L— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 23, 2026
“I have directed the immediate suspension of any construction of any facility within the area,” Duale told the court.
ALSO READ:
- CS Ruku Issues Directive To State Agencies On Citizen Services At Huduma Centres
- Ruto Signs The Controversial 2026 Finance Bill Into Law
- NTSA Explains Why Some Motorists Can’t Access eLogbooks
- Relief For CS Duale After High Court Rules In US-Backed Ebola Facility Case
- Sifuna Breaks Silence After Second Ouster As ODM Secretary-General
“I wish to tell this court that I commit to honour any orders given by it, exemplified by my service as a citizen, minister, and public servant.”
The Health CS further expressed regret over the developments that led to the contempt proceedings.
“I sincerely regret any misunderstanding that might have erupted during the period,” he added.
However, Katiba Institute, through its lawyer Joshua Malidzo, had earlier urged the court to punish the CS.
“This Is Not the Duale We Know”– Lawyer points out CS Duale’s Soft Tone in Court
Watch Full Video: https://t.co/n7vvMHq1eV pic.twitter.com/ZAkKocoPwe— Court Helicopter News (@CourtHelicopter) June 23, 2026
They argued that failure to do so would undermine the authority of the judiciary and embolden public officials to disregard court orders.
The lobby group had sought a 15-month jail term without the option of a fine, insisting that the government’s actions amounted to a deliberate violation of court directives relating to the project.
The case revolves around a Ksh1.75 billion (USD 13.5 million) US-backed Ebola preparedness facility planned at Laikipia Air Base.
Relief For CS Duale After High Court Rules In US-Backed Ebola Facility Case
