Outrage in Kenya over US plan to build Ebola quarantine facility

Anger and fear are palpable in Nanyuki, Kenya, a town near Mount Kenya, as locals protest the government's decision to allow the United States to construct an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base. The facility, designed to quarantine Americans arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is currently experiencing a significant Ebola outbreak, is situated behind high walls and is reportedly nearing completion with no current patients.

Residents are questioning why their country, which has never recorded a single case of Ebola, is being used for such a purpose. Nicholas, a 42-year-old souvenir vendor who asked to withhold his surname, expressed the community's fear, stating, "It is endangering our lives and our business. We are scared, we don’t know why (they chose) Laikipia."

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It is endangering our lives and our business. We are scared, we don’t know why (they chose) Laikipia.

The facility's construction has drawn accusations of "neo-colonialism," with county governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior asserting in a speech that the plan violates the "Madaraka (self-governance) principle." This sentiment is amplified by the fact that Laikipia already hosts a British army base, which, while bringing some economic benefits, has also been associated with serious crimes against local women.

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The proposed establishment of the Ebola quarantine hospital in Laikipia is against the Madaraka (self-governance) principle… That is neo-colonialism.

Despite the local outcry and protests, which a rights group claims resulted in two deaths, Kenyan leaders remain largely unmoved. President William Ruto defended the facility, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between the US and Kenya in health matters. He stated, "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."

This initiative follows a controversial health data deal between the two nations last year. While Washington has pledged $13.5 million for Kenya's Ebola preparedness, Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale has indicated he will not halt the quarantine center, even in the face of a High Court order. The opposition to the facility is reportedly merging with existing discontent towards President Ruto's administration, raising concerns about further escalation.

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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.