Kenyan Protester Shot During Rally Against Proposed U.S. Ebola Quarantine Centre

NAIROBI, Kenya — A protester was shot during demonstrations in central Kenya on Tuesday as residents opposed the construction of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility near the town of Nanyuki.

Witnesses said the victim was struck during clashes between protesters and security forces. Demonstrators had gathered to oppose a quarantine centre being built for Americans potentially exposed to Ebola amid the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Police deployed tear gas and detained several protesters as tensions escalated around the proposed facility, which is being constructed at Laikipia Air Base despite court orders temporarily halting the project.

The quarantine centre is designed to accommodate up to 50 people and would be used to house Americans who may have been exposed to the virus but are not showing symptoms. The plan has sparked strong opposition among local residents, who argue that the project could pose health risks and was approved without adequate public consultation.

Kenyan courts have issued orders suspending the project while legal challenges are considered. However, reports indicate that construction activities and the delivery of equipment have continued, drawing criticism from activists and community leaders.

The latest unrest follows earlier demonstrations in Nanyuki, where at least two people were reported killed during protests against the facility earlier this month.

Kenya’s government has defended the project, describing it as part of broader health cooperation with the United States and a measure intended to strengthen regional preparedness against Ebola outbreaks.

President William Ruto has publicly supported the facility, saying it aligns with Kenya’s longstanding partnership with the United States in health and emergency response efforts.

The case is expected to return to court later this month as legal proceedings over the controversial project continue.

Source BBC