Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for the High Court’s ruling to suspend the creation and implementation of any Ebola-related facility in Kenya through partnerships with the United States or other foreign entities.
Through a social media post, Gachagua commended the Judiciary for what he termed its persistent dedication to upholding constitutional principles and defending the public welfare.
He emphasized that the courts must consistently act as a check against overreach, while acknowledging the injunction that paused the proposed Ebola-related initiatives until the court case is resolved.
The Judiciary must always stand firm as the ultimate safeguard protecting Kenyan citizens from government overreach,” he stated, while endorsing the temporary orders issued by the High Court.
The former Deputy President also recognized Kenyan healthcare workers and citizens who have voiced opposition to the reported proposals.
He noted that their apprehensions mirrored broader concerns about public health, transparency, and national capacity to manage highly contagious illnesses like Ebola.
I salute the people of Kenya, particularly our healthcare professionals, for courageously expressing their views,” he remarked.
Gachagua denounced the proposed agreement.
The comments emerge during a period of increased doubt among segments of the medical profession, civil society groups, and political figures.
Previously, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union had rejected the reported initiatives and demanded openness, public involvement, and revelation of any documents concerning the planned facility.
In a formal statement, KMPDU stated that Kenya faced the danger of becoming what they described as a quarantine area for international health crises.
We refuse to stand by and observe Kenya being utilized as a quarantine colony for a deadly virus that we did not create,” the declaration read.
KMPDU Secretary-General Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah indicated that the organization would rally medical professionals across the country if the government does not resolve workforce deficiencies in healthcare.
The High Court subsequently issued temporary orders preventing the government and its representatives from creating, supporting, or implementing any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya under the disputed arrangements until an inter partes hearing takes place.
The court also prohibited officials from allowing or facilitating the entry into Kenya of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebola under the challenged arrangement until the case is adjudicated.
The legal challenge to the reported plan was submitted by Katiba Institute, which contends that the agreement raises constitutional questions about public engagement, responsibility, biological safety preparedness, and national autonomy.
The case is set for discussion on June 2, 2026, to determine subsequent proceedings.