Court suspends privileges granted to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

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The High Court has issued a conservatory order temporarily suspending the privileges and immunities granted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act, following a petition by the Law Society of Kenya.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court ruled that the privileges conferred will remain suspended pending the hearing and determination of the application filed by the LSK.

The legal notice, signed by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in September this year granted the Foundation exemptions typically reserved for diplomatic missions and international organizations.

The LSK has contested the legal validity of the Gazette Notice, arguing that it undermines public interest and constitutional principles.

The case involves the State Law Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and three other respondents.

Meanwhile, the Foundation and its officers have been barred from exercising any privileges under the contested agreement.