The High Court has been urged to impose a 15-month prison sentence on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale following a contempt ruling linked to the controversial Ebola quarantine facility project in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
The request was made by Katiba Institute during sentencing submissions before Justice Patricia Nyaundi, as the court considered appropriate penalties after finding contempt had occurred in the matter.
Represented by advocate Malidzo Nyawa, the institute argued that disobedience of court orders threatens the foundations of constitutional governance and undermines public trust in the justice system.
Nyawa told the court that the judiciary’s authority depends on the enforcement of its decisions, warning that failure to take decisive action could create the perception that court orders can be ignored without consequence.
He maintained that protecting the rule of law requires courts to respond firmly whenever judicial directives are deliberately disregarded.
According to the submissions, the dispute stems from the continued implementation of a US-funded Ebola isolation and quarantine facility despite conservatory orders issued by the court suspending the project.
The institute argued that the orders, initially issued on May 28, 2026, and later reaffirmed on June 2, 2026, clearly halted all activities related to the facility pending the determination of the main petition.
Nyawa further contended that any continuation of the project after the court’s directives amounted to a direct challenge to judicial authority and constitutional oversight.
He also urged the court to consider the senior position held by the Health Cabinet Secretary, arguing that public officials entrusted with state authority have a heightened obligation to comply with court rulings and uphold the rule of law.
The court is expected to determine the appropriate sentence after considering submissions from all parties involved in the case.
