Health CS Aden Duale in court on Tuesday /LEAH MUKANGAI
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appeared before the High Court on Tuesday for mitigation ahead of sentencing after being found in contempt of court over the disputed US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, Laikipia county.
The proceedings took place before High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi, who had earlier ruled that Duale was in continuing contempt of court orders issued on May 28, 2026, and reaffirmed on June 2.
"Accordingly, the 2nd respondent (Duale) is required to attend court on June 23, 2026 at 11am for mitigation and sentencing,” the judge ordered.
The orders had suspended the construction of the isolation and quarantine centre pending determination of a petition raising concerns over public participation and public health safeguards.
The matter stems from an application filed by the Katiba Institute, which sought contempt orders against Duale, the Attorney General, and other state actors, alleging that they proceeded with or facilitated the construction of the facility despite explicit court directives halting the project.
In her ruling, Justice Nyaundi held that evidence placed before the court demonstrated that the project continued in defiance of the orders, amounting to deliberate disobedience of judicial authority.
The court therefore found the Health Cabinet Secretary in contempt and directed that he personally appear for mitigation and sentencing.
On Tuesday morning, Duale arrived at the courtroom accompanied by a team of lawyers and senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
Also present were Principal Secretary Fredrick Ouga, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth.
The officials took seats within the courtroom as proceedings commenced.
When the matter was called out, counsel for Duale informed the court that the Cabinet Secretary was present in compliance with the court’s directive and ready to proceed with mitigation.
The legal team indicated that they were prepared to address the court on sentencing considerations following the contempt finding.
Duale subsequently stepped into the dock as required.
The court heard that the defence seeks to apply for an
affidavit for mitigation.
