By Andrew Kariuki

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the United States government to uphold the rule of law by respecting a Kenyan court order halting the proposed establishment of an Ebola treatment and quarantine facility in the country.

In a statement issued amid growing debate surrounding the controversial proposal, Gachagua urged U.S. authorities not to be associated with any move that would appear to undermine a court directive issued by the High Court.

“I want to ask the U.S. government that since there is a court order stopping the establishment of the Ebola treatment centre in Kenya, show us the way in observing the rule of law. Do not join Kenya in disobeying a court order and practicing impunity,” Gachagua said.

His remarks come days after the High Court temporarily stopped the government from establishing or operationalising any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under an alleged arrangement involving the United States and other foreign agencies.

The conservatory orders also barred the government from admitting, receiving or facilitating the transfer of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola into the country pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The matter has continued to spark sharp political debate, with leaders, residents and civil society groups raising concerns over public health risks, transparency and whether sufficient public participation was conducted before the alleged plans were initiated.

The government, however, has maintained that precautionary public health measures are necessary to strengthen preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks, particularly following concerns over Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).