Protests Against Ebola Quarantine Centre in Nanyuki
Police in Kenya deployed tear gas to disperse a protest in the central town of Nanyuki opposing the construction of an Ebola quarantine centre designated for US citizens.
Small groups of demonstrators, waving Kenyan flags, carrying placards, and holding a coffin labeled "Ebola," demanded the reversal of the plan.
Last week, two individuals died after being shot during police efforts to disperse similar protests.
Public Concerns and Legal Challenges
The US plan has raised public concerns regarding the risk of cross-border infection and the government's lack of transparency about the treatment centre.
Last month, the High Court ordered a halt to the facility's opening following a case filed by a rights group, which argued that the centre posed "grave and imminent risks" to public health.
Local Impact and Voices
Protester Priscilla Imani told the news agency that the US plan has affected Nanyuki and the wider Laikipia county, with residents fearful of visiting the area.
"My message is this, Laikipia is not a dumping site and our voices must be heard," she said.
Details of the Proposed Facility
The proposed 50-bed isolation centre is intended to be staffed by US medical personnel and to treat Americans affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
A US official explained to the BBC that Kenya was chosen due to its "proximity, airports in the region having limited capability, and to ensure Americans can be treated in a timely manner."
The Congolese city of Bunia, the epicentre of the outbreak, is approximately 780km (485 miles) from Nanyuki, with Uganda situated between DR Congo and Kenya.
Ebola Outbreak Statistics and Kenya's Status
DR Congo has recorded around 600 confirmed Ebola cases and 100 deaths to date.
Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases.
Government Response
President William Ruto defended the plan, stating he had received a request from the US to establish the centre and that refusal would be "inhuman."
He called on Kenyans not to politicise a matter "so serious" as Ebola, urging politicians to avoid "reckless" remarks about it.
Construction Continues Despite Court Order
Satellite imagery reviewed by the BBC indicates that construction at the airbase has continued despite the court's order to halt it.
A US official last week acknowledged awareness of the court case but expressed optimism about resolving objections.
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