Two people have been shot dead in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki following protests against plans by the United States to establish an Ebola isolation facility at the nearby Laikipia Airbase.
The deaths occurred amid demonstrations that erupted over concerns about the proposed treatment centre, which is intended to accommodate US citizens affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to reports, one of the victims died after being taken to a local hospital by friends, while the second was reportedly brought to the hospital already dead by military personnel. Authorities have yet to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
Police officials have not officially confirmed the fatalities. However, relatives identified one of the deceased as 27-year-old Charles Mang’aro Mwangi.
His family said he was not involved in the protests and was returning from work when he was shot.
“He was not part of the protests. He was just on the road, minding his own business when he was shot,” his mother, Joyce Wangari, said.
The protests began on Monday when hundreds of residents marched through Nanyuki, blocking roads and burning tyres while demanding the cancellation of the proposed Ebola facility. Security operatives responded by deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
The controversy centres on plans to establish a 50-bed Ebola isolation centre at Laikipia Airbase, approximately 140 kilometres north of Nairobi. The facility would be staffed by American medical personnel and designed primarily to treat US citizens infected during the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A US official explained that Kenya was selected due to its strategic location, aviation infrastructure and ability to facilitate timely medical evacuations.
“At this moment, we are not aware of any Americans scheduled for transfer to the facility,” the official stated.
Despite assurances from both governments, many Kenyans have expressed fears that the project could increase the risk of Ebola transmission within the country.
Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases.
President William Ruto defended the arrangement, describing it as a strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
“When President Donald Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a centre in Laikipia Airbase, I gave the approval because it was an agreement with friends who have supported Kenya for decades,” Ruto said.
He urged citizens not to politicise the issue and insisted that the government had implemented adequate safeguards to protect public health.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s High Court has extended a suspension order on the project and directed the government to disclose full details of the proposed facility.
The development comes amid growing opposition from medical professionals, civil society groups and public watchdog organisations, who argue that the project could expose local communities to unnecessary health risks.
Military aircraft have reportedly continued operating around the airbase, raising questions about preparations for the facility despite ongoing legal proceedings.
The controversy is expected to remain a major public and political issue as court hearings and consultations continue.
