Key facts
- Kenyan police shot and killed a protester during demonstrations against a U.S.-built Ebola quarantine center.
- Hundreds of Kenyans protested the facility, accusing the U.S. of offloading health risks.
- Police used tear gas and detained protesters.
- The U.S. is proceeding with construction despite Kenyan court orders.
- Two people were killed in protests last week.
Kenyan police shot and killed a protester as hundreds demonstrated against a U.S.-built Ebola quarantine center for Americans exposed to the virus. Witnesses identified the deceased as Patrick Wahome, who had helped organize protests in Nanyuki against the facility. Multiple eyewitnesses reported he died from a gunshot wound to the head. The proposed 50-bed unit at the Laikipia Air Base has angered many Kenyans, who accuse the U.S. of offloading health risks associated with Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Two people were killed in protests last week. Police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters on Tuesday, and more than 10 were detained. A lawyer for the Katiba Institute stated the government failed to comply with court orders barring steps to build or operate the facility. Despite these orders, U.S. military planes have continued to ferry staff and equipment, with satellite imagery showing a build-up of tents. The U.S. acknowledged the court challenge and is working with Kenya to resolve objections. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has stated it will not allow Ebola cases into the U.S., while Kenyan officials indicated the facility would also serve Kenyans and foreign nationals, a point not confirmed by U.S. officials.