Kenya president defends U.S. Ebola quarantine center amid protests

Kenya's President William Ruto has publicly defended the establishment of a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility, a move that has sparked significant public outcry and protests. The facility, located at Laikipia Air Base, is intended to quarantine Americans returning from Ebola-affected areas, a plan that has drawn sharp criticism from some Kenyans.

Ruto stated that the U.S. partnership on health matters is long-standing, with the Laikipia facility being one of 24 such centers established in anticipation of an Ebola outbreak. He emphasized that these facilities would also serve Kenyans if an outbreak occurred. The U.S. has committed $13 million to this partnership. However, the High Court has extended an order suspending the facility's construction and the arrival of foreign patients, following a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute, who cited concerns about the country's health system capacity.

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When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a centre at Laikipia Air Base, I gave the OK because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have worked with Kenya for 30-40 years.

Despite the court's intervention, protests have continued, with organizers reporting two deaths during demonstrations on Monday. Ruto urged the public and politicians to remain calm and avoid "reckless, unnecessary talk." He asserted that the government is responsible and aware of its actions. Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases, but neighboring Uganda has reported cases and deaths, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is also experiencing an outbreak.

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We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything.