Amnesty International Kenya and Amnesty International USA have supported the Kenyan government’s move to pause construction of the disputed United States-funded Ebola Quarantine Facility in Nanyuki.
At the same time, the organizations urged authorities to quickly establish accountability for the deaths of three protesters allegedly killed during demonstrations opposing the project.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the rights groups said the government’s adherence to a court order stopping the project marked a positive step for constitutional governance. They added that respect for the rule of law must also cover human rights protection and scrutiny of police actions during the protests.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that construction of the facility would remain suspended until a court case challenging the project is resolved.
George Morara, Director of Amnesty International Kenya, condemned the reported use of excessive force by police, which allegedly led to the deaths of three protesters, including a 17-year-old student.
“A government cannot claim to be setting up a facility meant to save lives while people are being killed through unlawful police action,” Morara said.
“Respect for human life cannot be selective. Every death must be answered for, every claim of excessive force must be examined, and every officer responsible, including those who ordered or authorized unlawful conduct, must face accountability.”
The rights organizations called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to urgently carry out independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries reported during the protests.
They said accountability should not be restricted to officers who directly used force, but should also reach commanders who may have approved or failed to stop unlawful actions.
Amnesty International USA also criticized what it described as pressure from the United States government to continue with the project despite ongoing legal challenges.
“The Trump administration is encouraging the erosion of respect for the rule of law not only at home but in other countries as well,” said Kate Hixon, Africa Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA.
“Expecting Kenyan President William Ruto to disregard a court order from his own system is enabling authoritarian practices.”
The organizations further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of people arrested only for taking part in peaceful protests, saying constitutional rights to assembly, association and expression must be safeguarded.
They also urged Kenya and the United States to involve local communities in decisions that affect their welfare and to uphold transparency, accountability and human rights as the dispute over the proposed quarantine facility continues.