Two killed in Kenya protests over US Ebola centre — rights group

Protests erupted in Kenya over a U.S.-built Ebola quarantine center intended for American citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least two deaths, according to a local rights group.

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shot and killed

The facility, located at Kenya's Laikipia Air Base, was slated to open last week. It is designed to house 50 isolation beds and be managed by U.S. medical personnel. The U.S. State Department has pledged $13.5 million towards Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts. However, the plan has ignited public anger, with many Kenyans protesting the use of their soil and the potential introduction of Ebola patients.

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neither unique nor exceptional but part of a broader national preparedness system

Hussein Khalid of the rights group VOCAL Africa stated that a 27-year-old man was fatally shot during the demonstrations on Monday, with a second death subsequently confirmed. Police have not yet confirmed the fatalities. Images from local media depicted violent clashes, with police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds.

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will be there to serve the people of Kenya and to serve our friends, including the Americans.

President William Ruto defended the center, describing it as a standard part of national preparedness and emphasizing its role in serving both Kenyans and international visitors. "We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. So people should relax," Ruto said. Neighboring Uganda has reported 15 Ebola cases, including one death, while Kenya has had no confirmed cases despite rigorous testing of arrivals. The Kenyan High Court has temporarily halted the facility's opening pending a government disclosure of all related agreements.

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We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. So people should relax.