NANYUKI, Kenya
Two people have been killed following violent protests in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki over plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola isolation and quarantine facility at a military base, escalating tensions around a controversial public health project.
The incident occurred near the Laikipia Air Base, where hundreds of residents, youth groups, and activists gathered to oppose the planned 50-bed quarantine centre intended for individuals exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in parts of East Africa.
Protest organisers and local sources confirmed the deaths, although authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to family members of one of the victims, identified as 27-year-old Charles Mang’aro Mwangi, he was not actively participating in the protests and was reportedly going about his daily activities when he was shot.
“He was not part of the protests. He did not carry stones or throw anything. He was just on the road when he was shot,” a relative said.
The protests erupted after reports indicated that the proposed facility would be used to isolate individuals exposed to Ebola but not yet showing symptoms. Kenyan authorities and United States officials have defended the project, saying it is part of broader regional preparedness efforts and infection control measures.
The proposed centre, reportedly funded with about $13.5 million in US support, is expected to operate as a controlled quarantine facility for Ebola-exposed individuals as part of international health cooperation initiatives.
Residents in Nanyuki have expressed strong opposition, saying they fear the project could expose local communities to health risks despite assurances from officials that strict containment and safety protocols would be observed.
Demonstrators blocked roads, burned barricades, and marched toward the heavily guarded military base carrying placards demanding cancellation of the project.
The planned facility has also triggered legal action. Kenya’s High Court previously suspended its construction and halted the admission of foreign patients pending further hearings, following petitions challenging the transparency and safety of the agreement.
A further court hearing is scheduled later this month.
President William Ruto has defended the initiative, saying it strengthens Kenya’s disease preparedness and is part of long-standing cooperation with the United States on public health emergencies.
Government officials have also stated that the facility could be used for Kenyan citizens in the event of future outbreaks.
However, critics including local leaders, civil society organisations, and residents argue that the project raises concerns over public consultation, sovereignty, and the decision to host foreign Ebola-exposed individuals in a country that has no confirmed cases of the disease.
Some protesters have questioned why exposed individuals are not isolated in their home countries rather than being brought to Kenya, reflecting broader public anxiety over the project.
The unrest comes as East Africa remains on high alert due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. While Kenya has not reported any confirmed cases, authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures due to regional travel and trade links.
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