MPs summon Health CS Duale over reported Ebola quarantine arrangement involving U.S. citizens

Jukwaa

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 29 – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and senior Ministry of Health officials have been summoned by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health to explain the government’s reported decision to quarantine United States citizens exposed to Ebola in Kenya.

The summons comes amid growing scrutiny over reports of plans to facilitate Ebola-related quarantine arrangements in Kenya involving individuals linked to the United States.

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Members of the Health Committee chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal are expected to seek clarification on the nature of the arrangement, the legal and public health framework underpinning the decision, and the government’s preparedness to handle any potential Ebola exposure cases.

The committee’s intervention adds to mounting pressure on the Ministry of Health following heightened public debate and legal challenges surrounding the reported plans.

The development also follows a recent High Court ruling that temporarily halted the establishment, operationalisation or facilitation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facilities in Kenya under arrangements involving the United States or any foreign government pending the hearing of a petition.

Justice P.M. Nyaundi issued the orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by Katiba Institute challenging the planned facilities and the possible transfer or admission of Ebola-exposed persons into Kenya.

The court ruled that public interest favoured granting interim relief, noting the petitioner’s claim of an imminent threat to life should the orders not be issued.

“The application is certified as urgent,” Justice Nyaundi ruled in orders dated May 28.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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