Kenya President Approves U.S. Ebola Quarantine Facility After Trump's Personal Request

Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed Monday that he authorized the establishment of a U.S. Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base, defending the project amid growing public opposition. Ruto's statement marked the first time he publicly acknowledged that then-President Donald Trump had personally requested Kenya's support for the facility.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Wajir, Ruto explained his decision was rooted in Kenya's decades-long partnership with the United States, particularly in public health, disease control, and medical research. "When President Trump asked the Kenyan government to support them by establishing an Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base, I agreed. Because it was a deal and partnership with friends who have been with Kenya for 30-40 years," Ruto said.

The president's remarks came just hours after hundreds of residents and youth protested outside the facility in Nanyuki, where police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators attempting to approach the site. The protests, marked by burning tires and road blockades, disrupted parts of the town located about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi.

Ruto dismissed claims that the facility represented an unusual arrangement, highlighting Kenya's extensive history of collaboration with the U.S. and other international partners on major health challenges. He cited ongoing cooperation in combating HIV/AIDS, other diseases, and Ebola, noting that Kenyan institutions like KEMRI have participated in vaccine research, underscoring the solid partnership. He asserted that the Laikipia facility is consistent with other health facilities Kenya hosts.

The facility has ignited a fierce national debate, fueled by reports that it would be used to quarantine and monitor Americans potentially exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics have raised concerns about public health risks and questioned the rationale for locating such a facility in Kenya.

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When President Trump asked the Kenyan government to support them by establishing an Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base, I agreed. Because it was a deal and partnership with friends who have been with Kenya for 30-40 years.