Two people have lost their lives in Kenya’s central town of Nanyuki after protests turned violent over plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola isolation facility at the nearby Laikipia Airbase.
The demonstrations erupted amid growing concerns among residents about the proposed treatment centre, which would reportedly cater to US citizens affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to local reports, one victim died after friends rushed him to a hospital, while military personnel reportedly brought the second victim to the same facility already dead. Authorities have yet to provide a detailed account of how the shootings occurred.
Police have not officially confirmed the fatalities. However, relatives identified one of the deceased as 27-year-old Charles Mang’aro Mwangi.
His mother, Joyce Wangari, said her son was not involved in the demonstrations.
“He was not part of the protests. He was simply returning home from work when he was shot,” she said.
Residents Reject Proposed Ebola Centre
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Monday, blocking major roads and setting tyres ablaze as they demanded the cancellation of the proposed health facility.
Security personnel responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In addition, the controversial project involves the construction of a 50-bed Ebola isolation centre at Laikipia Airbase, located about 140 kilometres north of Nairobi. Reports indicate that American medical teams would manage the facility, which would primarily serve US nationals infected during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A US official reportedly said Kenya was selected because of its strategic location, strong aviation infrastructure and ability to support emergency medical evacuations.
The official added that no American citizens had yet been scheduled for transfer to the facility.
Public Health Concerns Grow
Despite assurances from both Kenyan and US authorities, many residents remain sceptical about the project.
Critics argue that hosting an Ebola treatment centre could expose local communities to unnecessary health risks, even though Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases.
The proposal has also drawn opposition from medical experts, civil society organisations and public interest groups, who continue to demand greater transparency from the government.
President Ruto Defends Decision
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the agreement, describing it as part of a longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United States.
According to him, the decision followed a request from the US government and was approved in the spirit of cooperation between both countries.
Ruto urged citizens not to politicise the issue and maintained that adequate safeguards were in place to protect public health.
Court Halts Project Temporarily
Meanwhile, Kenya’s High Court has extended an earlier order suspending work on the proposed facility and directed the government to disclose comprehensive details of the project.
The court’s intervention comes as public scrutiny intensifies and questions continue over the facility’s potential impact on nearby communities.
Reports also indicate that military aircraft operations around Laikipia Airbase have continued, fueling speculation about possible preparations despite the ongoing legal challenge.
What Happens Next?
The controversy is expected to remain a major national issue in the coming weeks as court proceedings continue and stakeholders push for further consultations.
For more information on Ebola prevention and response, visit the World Health Organization (WHO).
