The High Court in Kenya has temporarily suspended the special privileges and immunities granted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, following a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). The court issued an order halting the privileges pending the outcome of the case.
(Photo by PCS)
In October 2024, the Kenyan government announced that the Foundation, which works on global issues like poverty and disease, would enjoy the same privileges as international organizations. However, the LSK has challenged this, arguing that it undermines the country’s public interest and constitutional rights.
The legal notice, signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, had granted the Foundation exemptions usually given to diplomatic missions. Critics of the decision argue that these privileges could shield the Foundation from legal accountability.
As part of the ruling, the Foundation and its officers are not allowed to exercise any of these privileges until the case is resolved. The court has directed the involved parties to submit all documents related to these privileges by December 10, 2024.
This legal battle highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability, especially regarding foreign organizations operating in Kenya.
