NAIROBI, Kenya, June 16 – Amnesty International has welcomed the Kenyan government’s decision to suspend construction of a proposed US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, following a court order halting the project pending determination of a case before the courts.
In a statement, the rights organization said compliance with judicial orders is a constitutional obligation and a key pillar of the rule of law, urging all state agencies involved in the project to respect the directive until the matter is resolved fully.
The announcement follows remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirming the suspension of the project in line with the court ruling.
“Respect for court orders is fundamental to constitutional governance. Compliance is not optional,” Amnesty said, citing Article 10 of the Constitution, which anchors the rule of law as a national value binding on all public institutions.
However, the organization also raised alarm over reports that police used excessive force against residents protesting the construction of the facility, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a 17-year-old student, and injuries to others.
Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, Amnesty noted, adding that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and must not be normalized.
“A government cannot claim to be establishing a facility intended to save lives while lives are being lost through unlawful police action,” said Amnesty International Kenya Director George Morara. “Every death must be accounted for, and all those responsible directly or through command responsibility must be held accountable.”
The organization called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct swift, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries, including scrutiny of possible command responsibility within the police chain of command.
Amnesty further demanded the release of individuals arrested for peacefully protesting, arguing that the Constitution protects the rights to peaceful assembly and expression under Articles 37 and 38.
The statement also urged authorities to engage meaningfully with residents of Nanyuki and Laikipia County, saying concerns over the project should be addressed through dialogue rather than force.
“Citizens cannot be coerced into endorsing development projects they perceive as harmful to their safety or livelihoods,” the group said, stressing the importance of public participation in governance decisions.
Amnesty also referenced international frameworks, including the Kenya–United States Strategic Partnership, and US legislation such as the Leahy Laws, which restrict security assistance to foreign units implicated in gross human rights violations unless corrective measures are taken.
