Kenyans protest US Ebola quarantine facility, fearing virus import

Protests have erupted in Kenya over the planned construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility for American citizens on a military base in Nanyuki. Hundreds gathered to demonstrate against the center, where Americans contracting Ebola overseas would be sent, rather than returning to the US.

The demonstrations turned violent, resulting in at least two deaths and one injury on Monday. The outrage stems from fears of importing the deadly virus into Kenya, particularly as the rare Bundibugyo strain, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments, is circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to neighboring Uganda.

Health workers in Kenya have also voiced strong opposition. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union stated they would not "watch Kenya be treated as a containment colony." They argued that if the facility is deemed too dangerous for Americans, it is equally too dangerous for Kenyans.

Adding to the tension, a Kenyan court has issued a temporary suspension order for the facility's construction plans. This action follows earlier reports that the World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency due to the outbreak. Despite the protests and the court order, US officials have maintained their defense of the project.

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If it is too dangerous for America, it is too dangerous for Kenya.