Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has disclosed that he advised President William Ruto against travelling to Congo for the Brazzaville Conference over concerns that the trip would have required the Head of State to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon his return to Kenya.
In mitigation before the High Court during contempt proceedings linked to the controversial Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, Duale said he acted on technical advice from health experts and the Director General for Health in recommending that the President skip the trip.
According to Duale, President Ruto heeded the advice and instead delivered his address virtually. He further revealed that members of the presidential delegation who proceeded to Congo were subjected to a 21-day quarantine upon their return to Kenya.
The Cabinet Secretary used the example to demonstrate the seriousness of the Ebola threat and the government’s preparedness measures, arguing that decisions surrounding the proposed Laikipia quarantine facility were informed by science and public health considerations rather than any intention to defy court orders.
Duale maintained that the Ministry of Health had interpreted the court’s conservatory orders as having halted the collaboration between Kenya and the United States regarding the facility and that both governments subsequently suspended the project.
He told the court that the ministry never intended to undermine the authority of the judiciary and reiterated its commitment to obeying court directives.
The Health CS also informed the court that he has ordered the immediate cessation of any construction, site preparation or related activities at the Laikipia Air Base facility pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
Duale expressed regret for any misunderstanding or actions that may have created the perception that the court’s orders had been ignored and urged the court to consider his explanation when determining the appropriate sanction.
