NAIROBI, Kenya – June 2, 2026
Tensions continue to rise across Kenya following plans to establish a United States-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki. The proposal has sparked widespread protests in Laikipia County and demonstrations outside Afya House in Nairobi, with reports indicating that two people were killed during clashes between protesters and security officers.
The proposed 50-bed facility is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola while working or traveling in outbreak-prone regions of East and Central Africa. According to U.S. officials, the facility would serve as a quarantine and monitoring center rather than a treatment hospital.
However, many Kenyans have questioned why the facility should be located in Kenya instead of the United States.
Residents Voice Fear and Frustration
Speaking during the demonstrations in Nanyuki, residents expressed concerns about public safety and the possibility of disease transmission.
"We don't have another country to run to," one resident told international media, reflecting the fears of many local families who worry about the impact the facility could have on their communities.
Community leader and protest organiser Patrick Wahome said residents felt excluded from the decision-making process and demanded greater transparency from both governments.
Many protesters carried placards criticising what they viewed as unfair treatment of Kenya, arguing that if the disease poses risks to Americans, it should not be transferred to another country. Demonstrators also accused authorities of failing to adequately consult local communities before advancing the project.
Legal Concerns Raised
The controversy has also reached the courts.
The Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute successfully petitioned the High Court to temporarily suspend the project pending further hearings. The petitioners argue that Kenya's healthcare system is already under strain and should not be burdened with quarantining foreign patients exposed to a highly dangerous disease.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi ordered the government to halt further implementation of the project and disclose all agreements related to the facility within seven days. A further hearing is scheduled for June 23.
Government Defends the Project
President William Ruto has defended the planned facility, describing it as part of a broader health preparedness partnership between Kenya and the United States.
According to the President, the facility would not only benefit Americans but would also strengthen Kenya's ability to respond to future Ebola outbreaks and other public health emergencies. The project is reportedly part of a wider health cooperation package worth approximately $13 million.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has similarly argued that the centre would improve national preparedness and should not be viewed solely as a facility for foreign nationals.
Two Deaths Intensify Public Anger
The protests took a tragic turn when two people were reportedly shot and killed during demonstrations near Laikipia Air Base.
Witnesses reported that police used tear gas and live ammunition as crowds attempted to approach the military installation. Authorities have not yet released full details regarding the deaths, and investigations remain ongoing.
Human rights groups and opposition voices have called for an independent investigation into the incident and have urged authorities to respect the constitutional rights of demonstrators.
International Debate
The proposal has generated discussion beyond Kenya's borders. Critics argue that wealthy nations should manage their own quarantine programs instead of relocating potentially exposed citizens to developing countries. Supporters, however, maintain that regional preparedness facilities can help contain outbreaks closer to affected areas and strengthen health infrastructure across Africa.
With court proceedings ongoing and public opposition growing, the future of the proposed Ebola facility remains uncertain. What is clear is that the issue has evolved beyond public health into a broader debate about national sovereignty, transparency, and public trust in government decision-making.
Reporting by Evans Muguna
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