By Ongaga Ongaga
Amnesty International Kenya and Amnesty International USA have welcomed the Kenyan government’s decision to suspend the construction of a controversial United States-funded Ebola Quarantine Facility in Nanyuki.
However, they demanded swift accountability for the deaths of three protesters allegedly killed during demonstrations against the project.
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In a joint statement issued on Monday, the rights groups said the government’s compliance with a court order halting the project was a positive step for constitutional governance, but warned that respect for the rule of law must extend to the protection of human rights and the investigation of police conduct during the protests.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the suspension of the facility’s construction pending the determination of a court case challenging the project.
Amnesty International Kenya Director George Morara condemned the reported use of excessive force by police, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of three protesters, including a 17-year-old student.
“A government cannot claim to be establishing a facility intended to save lives while lives are being lost through unlawful police action,” Morara said.
“Respect for human life cannot be selective. Every death must be accounted for, every allegation of excessive force must be investigated, and every officer responsible, including those who commanded or authorized unlawful actions, must be held accountable.”
The rights organizations called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries reported during the protests.
They argued that accountability should not be limited to officers who directly used force but should also extend to commanders who may have authorized or failed to prevent unlawful actions.
Amnesty International USA also criticized what it described as pressure from the United States government to proceed with the project despite legal challenges.
“The Trump administration is encouraging the breakdown of respect for the rule of law not just domestically but in other countries as well,” said Kate Hixon, Africa Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA.
“Expecting Kenyan President William Ruto to ignore his own system’s court order is enabling authoritarian practices.”
The organizations further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of individuals arrested solely for participating in peaceful protests, arguing that constitutional rights to assembly, association and expression must be protected.
They also urged both Kenya and the United States to engage local communities in decisions affecting their welfare and to uphold transparency, accountability and human rights as the dispute over the proposed quarantine facility continues.
