Health CS Duale faces contempt of court charges in Ebola facility case

By Bonface Mulyungi

Katiba Institute has moved to the High Court seeking to have Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale cited for contempt of court over alleged disobedience of orders issued on May 28, 2026 and June 2, 2026, regarding the construction of an Ebola treatment facility in Laikipia County.

In an application filed before the court, the organization through lawyer Malidzo Nyawa, argues that the government officials have failed to comply with directives previously issued by the court concerning the controversial project.

The institute is asking the court to find the Attorney General and the Health Cabinet Secretary in contempt for allegedly disregarding the court orders and, upon such a finding, to impose appropriate sanctions against them.

Katiba Institute further seeks a conservatory order compelling the respondents to file a report or affidavit detailing the current status of the construction of the Ebola facility and the steps taken to comply with the court’s directives.

According to the application, the report would enable the court to assess whether its orders have been obeyed and provide clarity on the progress of the project, which has attracted significant public interest and legal scrutiny.

The latest application marks a new phase in the ongoing legal battle over the establishment of the Ebola treatment facility in Laikipia, with the court now being called upon to determine whether senior government officials have violated its orders and, if so, what consequences should follow.

The matter is expected to come up for directions before the High Court.