Two people were killed during a protest in central Kenya on Monday against a US-backed plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military base, according to protest organiser Patrick Wahome and a security source.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths were not immediately clear. Kenya’s national police spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
The Ebola protests erupted after the government approved a US request to set up a quarantine centre at an air force base in central Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus.
Residents voice concerns over Ebola facility
Residents and local officials in Nanyuki, near the military base, staged the demonstration, expressing fears that the planned facility could expose the local community to Ebola.
Protesters also questioned why Kenya should host a quarantine centre intended for US citizens.
The demonstration follows growing public criticism of the agreement, with some opponents reportedly considering legal action to halt the project.
President defends agreement with Washington
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the plan, saying it forms part of broader national preparedness efforts and reflects a long-standing health partnership with the United States.
Ruto said he approved the facility after a request from Donald Trump, citing decades of cooperation with Washington on health programmes, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola and COVID-19.
He added that Kenya has prepared isolation, surveillance and treatment facilities in 23 counties and said the quarantine centre would be available to both Kenyans and foreign partners, including Americans, if necessary.
Regional Ebola outbreak raises concerns
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is affecting both Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Authorities say the outbreak has already claimed 48 lives.
Ruto said Kenya has strengthened screening measures at land and air borders and is monitoring around 3,000 people daily. He stressed that no Ebola cases have been detected in Kenya.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,” the President said.
Source: CNA
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