Date: June 2, 2026 l By James Emmanuel
NAIROBI, Kenya — Two people were killed during protests in central Kenya against a controversial proposal to establish a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility, deepening tensions over a project that has triggered legal challenges and public opposition across the country.
The fatalities occurred in Nanyuki, near the proposed site at Laikipia Air Base, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered to oppose plans for a 50-bed quarantine and isolation centre intended for American citizens exposed to Ebola while in East and Central Africa. Protest organisers and security sources confirmed the deaths, although the exact circumstances surrounding the shootings remained under review.
Witness accounts and protest organisers alleged that gunfire erupted during efforts to disperse crowds. Police authorities did not immediately confirm details surrounding the deaths at the time reports emerged.
The proposed facility has become the focus of intense public debate in Kenya after details emerged that the site would serve Americans exposed to Ebola in neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, rather than transferring them directly to the United States. The arrangement generated criticism from residents and civil society groups who argued that Kenya should not shoulder additional public health risks.
Public concern intensified despite the fact that Kenya has not recorded confirmed Ebola cases linked to the current regional outbreak. Opponents of the proposal questioned why potentially exposed foreign nationals would be quarantined in Kenya and raised concerns about transparency surrounding agreements between Nairobi and Washington.
The Kenyan High Court has since extended a temporary suspension blocking construction and operation of the facility. The court also directed the government to disclose agreements and operational details connected to the project within seven days and scheduled a further hearing later in June.
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the proposed centre, describing it as part of a broader public health preparedness framework and a continuation of longstanding cooperation with the United States on health emergencies. Government officials argued that the facility could strengthen Kenya’s emergency response capabilities rather than pose additional risks.
American officials maintained that the centre would primarily host individuals who had been exposed to Ebola but had not developed symptoms, while symptomatic patients would receive care elsewhere. The United States has also pledged additional support for Kenya’s broader Ebola preparedness measures.
The protests reflect wider concerns about public trust, national sovereignty, and global health policy at a time when East Africa remains on alert over Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries. As legal proceedings continue, the proposed facility has become a focal point for debate over how international health partnerships should operate during cross-border disease emergencies.