Two Killed During Protests Over Proposed U.S.-Backed Ebola Facility

Two men have been shot dead in Kenya after protests broke out over a United States plan to build an Ebola isolation centre at a military airbase in the country.

The deaths occurred amid demonstrations near Laikipia Airbase, where hundreds of residents gathered to oppose the proposed treatment centre. Protesters blocked roads and burnt tyres, leading police to respond with tear gas.

According to local reports, one of the victims was shot near the airbase and later died after being taken to a hospital by friends. The second victim was reportedly brought to the same hospital by soldiers and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Community leader Patrick Wahome told the BBC that one of the men killed had been shot while heading home after closing his business.

The proposed facility is a 50-bed isolation centre to be staffed by US medics and intended to treat American citizens affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases.

The project was halted last Friday after Kenya’s High Court ruled on a challenge brought by a rights group, which argued that the facility could pose infection risks to nearby communities. On Tuesday, the court extended the suspension and directed the government to disclose details of the facility.

President William Ruto defended the plan, saying Kenya had “deployed every arsenal” to protect the country and stressing that the agreement was made at the request of the US. “When President Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a centre in Laikipia Airbase, I gave the ok because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30, 40 years,” he said.