The High Court of Kenya has suspended the special privileges and immunities previously awarded to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, following a challenge from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The Foundation had been granted extensive legal protections through Legal Notice No. 157 in Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 181, which had enabled them to engage in contracts, legal proceedings, and property dealings while enjoying immunity from certain legal actions. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order on Monday, effectively halting the implementation of the Privileges and Immunities Order of 2024. The ruling explicitly prohibits the Foundation, along with its directors, officers, staff, and agents, from exercising any privileges previously granted under the Act.
The judge emphasizes that non-compliance with these orders would result in serious legal repercussions. The court’s intervention stems from an application filed by the LSK President on November 11, which sought to reverse the privileges bestowed upon the Foundation. The court has established a clear timeline for the legal proceedings, requiring the petitioner to serve all relevant documents to respondents and interested parties by November 26, with proof of service due by November 27.
The case is scheduled for mention on February 5, 2025, to verify compliance and establish dates for substantive hearings. The controversy originated when Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced through a gazette notice on October 23 that the Foundation would receive immunity for its operations within Kenya. This decision sparked public debate about its implications. The privileges package included tax exemptions and protection from legal proceedings related to official duties.
Mudavadi defended the decision by citing the Foundation’s charitable work in fighting poverty, disease, and inequality across more than 140 countries, arguing that these activities qualified it for benefits under Section 11 of the Privileges and Immunities Act. In response to mounting public discourse, the Gates Foundation issued a statement on October 27, asserting that the immunity agreement aligned with both Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act and similar arrangements granted to other foundations globally. They emphasized their commitment to operating within the legal frameworks established by host nations.
In 1888, the I.B.E,A.,…
In 1888, the I.B.E,A., Imperial British East Africa was a Crown chartered trading company,that was used to pave way for colonialism in Kenya. It must be noted that The I.B.E.A. was granted absolute immunities by the Crown against all the British subjects in the area. In other words, they were licenced to kill. Like wise, Bill Gates will use Kenyans as guinea pigs and still be legally untouchable. I mean, you can’t make these things up!
Kenyans people & its…
Kenyans people & its properties are “Clinical trials ” subjects for the foundation
The British stole the land in Kenya, Cultivate it, Riped the resources then sold the land back to the natives…YIKES!!