Two Killed in Kenya Protests Against U.S. Ebola Quarantine Center

Two individuals died from gunshot wounds during protests against the planned construction of a U.S. Ebola quarantine center in central Kenya. The demonstrators were killed by live ammunition fired by police at the Laikipia Air Base, according to protest coordinator Patrick Wahome.

The protests escalated as demonstrators, carrying banners and posters, entered the air base, burning tires and blocking roads. Local residents reported that police were deployed to disperse the crowd. The Kenyan National Police, however, stated they had no detailed information on the deaths.

Public anger was fueled by the plan to build the quarantine facility at the air base, with residents expressing fears about health risks amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President William Ruto defended his decision to approve the facility, citing a 30-40 year partnership with the U.S. and a personal request from President Donald Trump.

The facility has sparked intense national debate, particularly the report that it would be used to quarantine and monitor Americans potentially exposed to Ebola. The High Court of Kenya had temporarily suspended the facility's establishment pending a constitutional petition, as critics questioned its location and raised concerns about public health, transparency, and national sovereignty.

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When President Trump asked the Kenyan government to support them by establishing a quarantine center there, I agreed. Because it is a deal and partnership with friends who have been with Kenya for 30-40 years.