A Kenyan high court has temporarily blocked the setup of a quarantine facility for Americans exposed to Ebola. This decision disrupts plans by the Trump administration, which aimed to have the facility ready by Friday.
The suspension followed a petition challenging the facility’s constitutionality, filed by the Katiba Institute, a civil society group. The court’s official order was issued on Thursday. The duration of this suspension remains uncertain, but the court will further discuss the case on Tuesday.
The Katiba Institute seeks to compel the Kenyan government to reveal details about any agreements concerning American citizens, as the government has not confirmed such a deal. U.S. officials stated that the 50-bed quarantine unit would be located at a military air base in Laikipia, about 100 miles from Nairobi.
In an interview, Nora Mbagathi, executive director of the Katiba Institute, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, saying, “No one is saying that we are against international collaboration and support when it comes to tackling that crisis. But there are procedures and processes in the Constitution and they are there for a reason.”
Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, said Thursday that the U.S. would allocate $13.5 million to Ebola preparedness in Kenya. This was confirmed after a discussion between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though no mention of the quarantine facility was made.
President Ruto also addressed Ebola measures with foreign envoys, including U.S. representatives, emphasizing the need for cooperation. Criticism has arisen regarding the Ebola facility, as Kenya has never reported an Ebola case. The doctors’ union expressed concerns that local health systems may be unprepared for an outbreak.
Davji Atellah, secretary general of the doctors’ union, criticized the focus on U.S. citizens, stating, “This quarantine center is American-focused. There are no plans for Kenyans who get infected by Ebola.”