By Andrew Kariuki
Katiba Institute has welcomed fresh court directions in a case challenging the proposed Ebola quarantine facility linked to an agreement between Kenya and the United States, while faulting the government for failing to appear in court to defend its position.
Speaking during a press briefing after court proceedings on Tuesday, lawyer Joshua Maldizo Nyawa, speaking on behalf of Katiba Institute, said the matter came up for mention and directions but the Attorney General’s office failed to attend despite the public interest nature of the petition.
Nyawa told journalists present that the petitioners informed the court they had no independent means of confirming whether earlier conservatory orders halting the proposed facility were being complied with.
According to him, the court agreed that the case raised issues of significant public interest and declined to delay proceedings due to the State’s absence.
He said the judge reaffirmed earlier conservatory orders barring the government from proceeding with the construction or staffing of the proposed Ebola facility in Laikipia pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
Katiba Institute further stated that the court maintained orders preventing the government from admitting into Kenya persons exposed to Ebola under the alleged arrangement between Kenya and the United States.
Nyawa also said the court directed the State to disclose all agreements, negotiations and related arrangements entered into with the United States government regarding the proposed project.
“As Katiba Institute, we expect both governments, that is the government of Kenya and that of the United States, to respect these reliefs,” Nyawa said.
He criticized the government for failing to appear in court, saying state agencies had an obligation to defend their actions, while at the same time praising the Judiciary for what he described as standing firm in safeguarding transparency and accountability.
“We are proud of our judiciary that has stood firm to ensure that there is transparency and accountability here in Kenya,” he said.
The matter is expected back in court on June 23, 2026, for further hearing of the petition.
