Two Killed in Kenya Protests Against US Ebola Quarantine Site Plan

Two people were killed in central Kenya on Monday during protests against a U.S. plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military air base in Nanyuki. The circumstances of the deaths remain unclear, and Kenyan police have not yet commented.

President William Ruto defended the proposed facility, stating it is a crucial part of Kenya's national preparedness for health emergencies and a continuation of a decades-long health partnership with the United States. He emphasized that the facility at Laikipia Air Base is not unique and similar to other existing health infrastructure in Kenya. The president urged citizens not to doubt the government's preparedness.

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The facility that is at Laikipia Air Base is not a facility different from all the other facilities that we have across Kenya.

The protests were fueled by fears among residents and local leaders that the facility could expose the community to Ebola. They also questioned Kenya's role in hosting a quarantine center specifically for U.S. citizens. These concerns have led to growing public criticism and legal action, with a court having already issued a temporary suspension of the plan, citing potential public health risks.

The U.S. request for the facility came as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are battling an Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO. President Ruto stated he approved the request following a discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting past cooperation on health programs like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

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Together with [Police] Minister Ioane Naivalurua, we signed agreements on national security cooperation and diplomatic training.