This archive report was first published on 21 December 2021.
On December 14, 2021, Justice Anthony Mrima issued a court order suspending the government's mandatory Covid-19 vaccination directive. Despite this, the Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Zeinab Hussein, has issued a directive requiring tour operators to demand proof of vaccination from clients.
Joseph Enock Aura, the petitioner who obtained the court order, has written to PS Hussein protesting the directive. Through his lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, Aura states that there are no such directives issued by the Ministry of Health on November 22, 2021, as quoted by the PS.
“Our Client is concerned that in your office’s stated letter, you made reference to adherence to non-existent “Directives from the Ministry of Health ” allegedly made on November 22nd 2021. We know of no such “Directives”, and if you do have a copy thereof, we shall be pleased to be graciously furnished with a copy,” said lawyer Kinyanjui.
Aura further adds that the PS's directive is a breach of her oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of Kenya, as it prohibits Kenyans from accessing public services, including National Parks, based on non-vaccination with the Covid-19 vaccine.
Should the PS default to adhere to the court orders, Aura's team will proceed to cite her for contempt of court.
