Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale on Tuesday ordered the immediate suspension of construction work on a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility after a court found him guilty of contempt for failing to comply with earlier orders that had stopped the project.

The facility, being built near the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki, has sparked public anger and protests. Residents have raised concerns about the project, which is designed to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Court Steps In Over Construction Dispute

Duale appeared before a Kenyan court that had previously issued orders suspending construction of the quarantine center. The court accused the health ministry of continuing work despite the suspension.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled that the minister had failed to fully observe the court's directives and found him guilty of contempt. However, she chose not to impose any punishment.

During sentencing, Justice Mande warned Duale against ignoring future court orders and discharged him without penalty.

Facility Planned for Americans Exposed to Ebola

The proposed quarantine center consists of a large tented facility at an air base near Nanyuki. Authorities intended to use the site to host Americans who may have come into contact with Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DRC continues to battle a major Ebola outbreak, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases reported so far. Health officials have been working to prevent the disease from spreading beyond the affected areas.

The quarantine project formed part of broader efforts to manage potential health risks linked to the outbreak.

Construction Progress Continued Despite Court Orders

Despite the court's suspension orders, evidence suggested that construction activities continued at the site.

Satellite images dated June 22 and reviewed by Reuters showed significant progress compared with images from earlier in the month. The newer images revealed a growing number of tents, expanded paved areas, and additional structures that appeared to be shipping containers.

The images indicated that development work had continued even while legal challenges remained unresolved.

Flights and Supplies Still Arriving

Reports also showed that logistical support for the facility had continued despite the court dispute.

According to flight-tracking data and information from US and diplomatic sources, aircraft carrying medical equipment and specialist personnel continued to arrive at the air base.

A US official told Reuters last week that planes were still delivering supplies for the quarantine center. The official also said staff members were receiving training at the site as preparations moved forward.

Public Opposition Remains Strong

The quarantine facility has become a controversial issue in Kenya. The project has triggered protests in Nanyuki, with demonstrations turning deadly in some instances.

Many residents have expressed fears about hosting a facility linked to Ebola patients, even though the center was intended for quarantine and monitoring purposes rather than treatment.

The court ruling and the minister’s decision to halt construction now place the future of the project in doubt as legal and public scrutiny continues.

The case highlights the growing tension between public health planning, international cooperation, and the need to follow judicial orders during major health emergencies.