Key facts
- Kenyan police shot and killed a man during a protest against a proposed US Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki.
- Protesters cited fears of the highly contagious disease being on Kenyan soil as a reason for their opposition.
- The US plans to staff the 50-bed facility with 30 medical personnel.
- A court has temporarily blocked the facility's establishment pending a resolution.
- The protest occurred amidst ongoing Ebola outbreaks in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenyan police shot and killed a man during a protest against a proposed US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki. Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the Laikipia airbase, expressing opposition to the center due to fears of the highly contagious disease on Kenyan soil. Police dispersed the crowd using teargas and made several arrests, with the Kenya Human Rights Commission reporting that officers fired live bullets.
Protesters have voiced strong opposition to the facility, fearing potential carriers of the virus on Kenyan territory. This sentiment has fueled rising nationwide anger, with two other individuals reportedly killed during a protest last week. The US government intends to deploy 30 medical personnel to staff the planned 50-bed facility.
Legal challenges have emerged, with a Nairobi court temporarily blocking the establishment of the center and the admission of individuals exposed to Ebola following a petition by the nonprofit Katiba Institute. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 23. Despite these challenges, Kenyan President William Ruto has stated the country will proceed with the plan, citing past aid from Washington.
The protest occurs as health officials in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are actively working to contain an outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus, which has no vaccine or approved treatment. As of June 6, the DRC reported 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, while Uganda had 19 confirmed cases and two deaths.