Kenya's High Court Halts Proposed Ebola Center as Former Deputy President Gachagua Backs Ruling

Kenya's High Court has issued a ruling blocking the establishment of an Ebola Center that had been proposed under the administration of President William Ruto. The decision drew immediate public reaction, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — who was impeached from office in October 2024 — issuing a strong statement commending the court's intervention and praising health professionals who raised alarms over the project. The ruling has reignited debate over public health policy, government transparency, and the role of Kenya's judiciary as a check on executive authority.

What Happened

Kenya's High Court moved to block the government's plan to establish an Ebola Center in the country, citing concerns raised by members of the public and the health sector. The court's intervention came after weeks of mounting opposition from Kenyan health professionals and civil society groups, who argued that the project posed significant risks to public safety and had not been adequately explained or justified to the Kenyan public.

The ruling was seen as a significant judicial check on the Ruto administration's handling of public health infrastructure — an area that has come under increased scrutiny since Kenya's Gen Z-led protests of mid-2024 brought widespread governance concerns to the surface.

Gachagua's Response

In a public statement, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua welcomed the ruling, framing the judiciary as a critical institution in protecting ordinary Kenyans. Gachagua argued that the courts must remain independent and firm in the face of what he described as reckless decision-making at the executive level.

The former DP also praised Kenyan health professionals for speaking out against the proposed facility, describing their advocacy as bold and necessary. He framed the public opposition as a demonstration of civic responsibility and argued that the government had failed to adequately safeguard the welfare of its citizens.

Gachagua, who has been an increasingly vocal critic of President Ruto since his impeachment, used the opportunity to raise broader concerns about governance in Kenya — including what he described as corruption, mismanagement, and a conflict of interest within the current administration.

Why the Ebola Center Proposal Was Controversial

Ebola is one of the world's most feared hemorrhagic fever viruses, with case fatality rates historically ranging between 25% and 90% depending on the outbreak and the response capacity of affected health systems. While the establishment of treatment and research centers is a recognized part of global pandemic preparedness, critics of Kenya's proposal argued that the project lacked transparency, proper public consultation, and clear safety protocols.

Health professionals raised concerns about the location of the proposed center, the readiness of Kenya's existing healthcare infrastructure to support such a facility, and the potential risks to surrounding communities. In a country where public trust in government health initiatives has already been strained — particularly following controversy over the COVID-19 response — the proposal met with swift and organized resistance.

International health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long emphasized that Ebola preparedness facilities must be built with rigorous safety standards, community engagement, and robust national health system support. Critics argued Kenya's proposal did not clearly demonstrate these safeguards.

The Broader Political Context

The ruling arrives at a politically charged moment in Kenya. Gachagua's public comments reflect the deepening rift between him and President Ruto, a relationship that collapsed dramatically with his impeachment by parliament in late 2024 — the first removal of a sitting deputy president in Kenya's history.

Since his removal, Gachagua has positioned himself as an opposition voice, frequently criticizing the Ruto administration on issues ranging from economic policy to governance. His comments on the Ebola Center ruling are consistent with that posture, though they also tap into genuine public anxiety about health safety that cuts across political lines.

Kenya is not currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and East Africa, and Kenya has historically served as a regional hub for international health response. Whether the government's intentions behind the proposed center were tied to regional preparedness, international health partnerships, or other factors has not been fully disclosed publicly — a gap that critics say is itself part of the problem.

What the High Court Ruling Means

The court's decision to halt the project does not necessarily mean the proposal is permanently off the table. Kenyan courts regularly issue conservatory orders to pause government actions while matters are heard and determined on their merits. What the ruling does signal, however, is that the judiciary is willing to step in when public interest concerns are raised — and that civil society and professional bodies retain the power to challenge executive decisions through legal channels.

For Kenya's health sector, the ruling may serve as a precedent for greater public accountability in how major health infrastructure decisions are made and communicated to citizens.

Conclusion

The High Court of Kenya's decision to block the proposed Ebola Center has ignited a national conversation about public health governance, government transparency, and the limits of executive power. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's vocal support for the ruling reflects both his opposition stance and the broader public unease surrounding the project. As the matter continues through the courts, Kenyans will be watching closely — not only for the fate of the proposed facility, but for what the episode reveals about the state of accountability in the country's public health institutions.

Reported by CM NEWS | Published May 29, 2026