Health CS Aden Duale confirms government will obey court order to halt US Ebola facility construction
via Tuko6 min read
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured Kenyans that the government will comply with a court order temporarily stopping the construction of a US Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. Duale stated that the Nanyuki facility is a preparedness measure and does not indicate an Ebola outbreak in Kenya. He emphasized that the government respects the rule of law and will abide by the court's decision. However, Duale warned that the government could invoke Sections 35 and 36 of the Public Health Act to enforce emergency measures if a confirmed Ebola case occurs, prioritizing saving lives over further consultation. Neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are currently battling the virus, with DRC reporting 676 cases and 136 deaths by June 11. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that Kenya has intensified surveillance systems nationwide and at borders to detect and respond to any suspected infections, despite not having recorded any Ebola cases. The US has expressed optimism that diplomatic engagements with Kenya will resolve the issue, with US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz defending the need for a facility near outbreak epicenters and exploring alternative arrangements.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that President William Ruto's government is installing CCTV surveillance across six counties. This initiative, revealed during a church service on Sunday, June 14, aims to strengthen crime prevention and improve public safety. Murkomen stated that the government is finalizing procurement for extensive CCTV coverage in six pilot cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The surveillance system will be linked to command centers to enhance real-time monitoring and improve coordination of security operations, enabling faster incident responses and helping to curb crimes such as pickpocketing, petty theft, and youth gang activity, particularly in central business districts.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI has issued a warning to students across Kenya regarding involvement in criminal activities. The agency stated that records of offenses committed by students, from primary school to university, will be archived and could affect future applications for Police Clearance Certificates, also known as Certificates of Good Conduct. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura shared this notice, emphasizing that a criminal record could hinder employment opportunities and personal ambitions. The DCI urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and guardians to guide young people to avoid crimes such as violent demonstrations, arson, drug-related offenses, cyberbullying, assault, and drunkenness. This warning comes amidst rising concerns about student involvement in unlawful activities, including school unrest. The Kenya Red Cross Society reported responding to at least 37 school fire incidents since the beginning of the year, with notable cases including an arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy that resulted in 16 deaths and a fire at Alliance High School where 11 students were detained.
Detectives from Kenya's Anti-Narcotics Unit and Transnational Organised Crime Unit arrested 40-year-old Ugandan national Daniel Musubo in Nakuru. The arrest followed a public tip-off, leading to an ambush on the Maai Mahiu鈥揘aivasha highway. Officers intercepted a Scania truck, registration number UBN 042, and discovered three bales of bhang concealed in the cabin and toolbox. Musubo was arrested at the scene, and the truck and narcotics were taken to Muthaiga Police Station for ongoing investigations. Authorities stated the vehicle and seized drugs are being held as exhibits, and the suspect will be processed and arraigned in court. This operation highlights the importance of public cooperation and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations encourages the public to continue reporting criminal activities through its anonymous channels. In a separate incident, police in Kibra also arrested suspects and seized various narcotics, including bhang rolls and liquid drugs, vowing to intensify intelligence-led crackdowns nationwide.