Katiba Institute filed a petition challenging the proposed establishment of Ebola quarantine and treatment facilities in the country.
The case, which was filed under a certificate of urgency through the lobby’s counsel on Thursday, May 28, named the Attorney-General, Dorcas Oduor, and the Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, as respondents.
According to the Katiba Institute, the proposed arrangement raises serious constitutional and public health concerns and should be halted immediately pending judicial determination.
“Katiba Institute is challenging the proposed establishment of a quarantine facility for American citizens exposed to Ebola and other highly infectious diseases in Kenya,” part of the petition read.
The lobby is now asking the court, among other directives, to restrain the government from establishing, approving, or operationalizing any Ebola quarantine or treatment centre in Kenya under any foreign arrangement.
They are also seeking the prevention of the transfer or admission of persons exposed or infected with Ebola into Kenya under the proposed framework with the United States.
Additionally, the Katiba Institute is seeking an order from the court for CS Duale to present, within 24 hours, a detailed contingency plan on Kenya’s preparedness to combat the virus.
The petition further asks the Health Ministry to disclose all agreements with the Trump administration, including any bilateral or multilateral arrangements, as well as health, environmental, biosafety, and security assessments, and any approvals or protocols governing the facility.
“This includes all related public health, environmental, biosafety, or security assessments; regulatory and parliamentary approvals; and the specific protocols for the admission and treatment of exposed persons,” the petition further read.
