Kenya's High Court has found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt of court for proceeding with construction of a quarantine facility for US nationals infected with the Ebola virus, in violation of court orders.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled on Monday that Duale commissioned construction at the site in central Kenya despite multiple orders issued in late May and early June to halt activities. "The Court cannot permit its orders to be rendered hollow," she wrote.

The facility was planned to house US nationals exposed to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. However, with Kenya recording no infections, the plan sparked protests by hundreds of Kenyans last month.

Civilians and healthcare workers have expressed anger over importing the virus and criticized the government's acceptance of a $13.5m US contribution as whitewashing the deal. President William Ruto said he "gave the okay" because it was a partnership with friends.

The court ordered construction to stop after complaints by the Katiba Institute rights group. Despite the rulings, Duale insisted the facility would proceed, telling parliament "we will not stop it." He is due in court on Tuesday for sentencing, facing a maximum fine of 200,000 shillings ($1,500) and/or six months in jail.

Source: www.aljazeera.com