Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Attorney General Dorcus Odour are in the eye of the storm after the Katiba Institute returned to the High Court seeking sanctions over the alleged disregard of orders halting the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia, Nanyuki.

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In the application, the Katiba Institute wants the court to address the alleged blatant violation of existing conservatory and disclosure orders regarding the secretive U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at the Laikipia Airbase.

According to the Katiba Institute, despite court orders suspending all plans to establish, operationalise, or approve the facility construction, development has continued illegally.

“This continued defiance exposes a troubling diplomatic and legal posture.” Katiba Institute stated on Wednesday, June 10.

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Katiba added, saying that rather than complying with the rulings of Kenya’s independent courts, the two governments only engage with their executive counterparts, effectively treating the nation's legal framework and constitutional safeguards as mere suggestions.

The latest petition follows an earlier suit by the Katiba Institute on June 2 , which resulted in the High Court issuing orders intended to halt any developments at the facility before the case is fully heard and determined.

The orders further prohibit the admission, transfer, receipt, or facilitation of entry into Kenya of people exposed to or infected with Ebola through the challenged programme.

The Katiba Institute argues that the arrangement was negotiated without public participation and raises concerns over biosecurity, national sovereignty, and constitutional governance.

Furthermore, the authorities have defied court directives, failing to compile the full disclosure of documents, agreements, and safety protocols regarding the facility to the public and the court.

“We are witnessing a profound disrespect for Kenya’s sovereignty and our constitutional rule of law. The fact that construction continues and vital documents remain hidden, in direct violation of a High Court order, shows that the U.S. and Kenyan governments see themselves as above our courts," Nora Mbagathi, Executive Director of Katiba Institute, said.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke