Health CS Aden Duale in court /LEAH MUKANGAI
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has expressed regret for misunderstandings that may have led to the perception that he disobeyed court directives.
Appearing before the court on Tuesday for mitigation ahead of his sentencing, he told the High Court that he would be the last person to disobey a court order.
The court has found him in contempt over the construction of the disputed US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, Laikipia county.
“I will be the last person to defy a court order,” Duale told the court, adding that he regretted any actions, omissions or misunderstandings that may have led to the perception that he had disobeyed court directives.
“I regret any action, omission or misinterpretation that may have resulted in or created that perception,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Health relied on technical and scientific advice in making decisions related to the facility, which was intended to support quarantine and isolation capacity for returning personnel and potential public health emergencies.
" At all material time, it was never the intention of the Ministry or myself as the Cabinet Secretary to disregard, undermine, or act in defiance of the orders of this Honourable Court," he said
The CS maintained that any continuation of preparatory works occurred under a misunderstanding of the scope of the court’s orders.
According to his mitigation, the government had interpreted the orders as suspending only the implementation of cooperation arrangements rather than halting all preparatory or technical considerations tied to the project.
Duale emphasised that upon clarification of the court’s position, the Ministry had halted all activities related to the facility and would fully comply with any further directions issued by the court.
He further told the judge that he held court orders in the highest regard, adding that compliance with judicial authority is a constitutional obligation.
In a pointed remark, Duale stated that he would be “the last person to defy a court order,” highlighting his long public service career and involvement in legislative processes.
He said his role in
Parliament and government had always been guided by respect for constitutional
processes and institutional balance.
