Kenyan police fire tear gas at protest against US Ebola quarantine facility

Kenyan police fired tear gas on Tuesday to disperse protesters in the central town of Nanyuki who were demonstrating against a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility. The United States is rapidly constructing the 50-bed unit on an air force base, despite Kenyan court orders that have prohibited further work.

Many Kenyans are angered by the proposed facility, accusing the US of offloading the health risks associated with the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Protests last week in Nanyuki resulted in two deaths, and frustration is mounting among residents as Kenyan and US authorities publicly reaffirm their commitment to the plan despite the legal challenges.

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cannot and will not allow

One protester carried a white cross with the words "Respect Ebola" written in red. US President Donald Trump's administration has stated it "cannot and will not allow" any cases to enter the US. Unlike during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, when infected US nationals were treated on US soil, this facility is designated for Americans exposed to the virus but still asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients would be transferred to other countries for care, according to US officials.

Despite court orders blocking the plan, US military planes have continued to transport staff and equipment. Satellite imagery shows an increasing number of white tents on the 11-acre site cleared within the Laikipia Air Base. The US has acknowledged the court challenge and stated it is "working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections." While Kenyan officials claim the facility will also serve Kenyans and other foreign nationals, US officials have not confirmed this.

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working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections