Kenya: One Dead as Police Clash with Protesters Over U.S. Ebola Center

Tensions flared in Nanyuki, Kenya, as police fatally shot one demonstrator and injured another during protests against a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine center. The planned 50-bed facility at Laikipia Air Base is intended to house Americans exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Local opposition stems from fears the center could introduce the virus to Kenya, which has no recorded Ebola cases. U.S. officials state only asymptomatic individuals will be housed there, with symptomatic patients transferred elsewhere. However, these assurances have not quelled public anxiety, with previous protests earlier this month reportedly resulting in two deaths.

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The American people and government have been partners with us on matters of health for close to 25-30 years. It would be most unfortunate if on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their cost, we would refuse. We would look very inhuman.

Despite a temporary injunction from Kenya's High Court, President William Ruto's government intends to proceed with the center. Ruto emphasized the long-standing health partnership between the U.S. and Kenya, arguing it would be "inhuman" to refuse the request, which is being funded by the Americans.

U.S. military planes have continued delivering equipment and staff to the site, even as diplomatic sources acknowledge the court challenge. The U.S. government stated it is working with Kenyan authorities to resolve objections and will not allow any cases to enter the United States. While Kenya's health minister suggested the facility would serve both Kenyans and Americans, U.S. officials have not confirmed this.

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The U.S. government has also said it 'cannot and will not allow' any cases to enter the United States.