The High Court has suspended special privileges granted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under the Privileges and Immunities Act. This decision came after the Law Society of Kenya filed a petition questioning the legality of the government’s move.
The privileges were granted through Legal Notice No. 157 published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 181. These allowed the foundation to handle contracts, legal matters and property transactions while enjoying immunity from local laws.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders stopping the foundation and its staff from using these privileges. The orders will remain in place until the application filed on 22 November 2024 is heard and determined.
The court has warned that any disobedience of the orders will result in legal consequences. The case will be mentioned on 5 February 2025 to confirm compliance and set a hearing date.
By Kenyans