At least one person has been confirmed dead following violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Kenya over the construction of a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County.
The unrest broke out on Tuesday in Nanyuki, a town near Mount Kenya, where hundreds of demonstrators opposed plans to establish a quarantine centre at the Laikipia Air Base for American citizens arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicentre of the current Ebola outbreak.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters blocked roads, set objects ablaze and hurled stones at police officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowds.
Gunshots were also heard during the confrontation, with reports indicating that a protester was fatally shot.
Human rights campaigner and Vocal Africa Director, Hussein Khalid, confirmed the death, stating that authorities were awaiting contact with the victim’s family. Another person was reportedly injured after being struck by a tear gas canister.
Security operatives arrested dozens of demonstrators, including some apprehended by armed plainclothes officers.
DAILY POST reports that public opposition to the project has continued to grow amid fears that Kenya, which has never recorded a confirmed Ebola case, could be exposed to the deadly virus.
Residents argue that potential carriers of the disease should not be brought into the country under any arrangement.
Recall that a protester, Priscilla Waimani, had criticised the initiative, insisting that Kenya should not serve as a quarantine destination for foreign nationals. Many demonstrators carried placards and wore protective gear to dramatise their concerns.
The proposed facility, expected to contain 50 isolation beds and be managed by American personnel, is reportedly close to completion despite legal and political resistance.
Kenya’s High Court had earlier ordered a temporary suspension of construction, while local leaders in Laikipia have continued to oppose the project.
The latest violence comes barely a week after earlier demonstrations over the facility reportedly resulted in two deaths, according to rights groups.
Despite the backlash, President William Ruto’s administration has maintained its support for the project, citing longstanding health-sector cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
The US government has pledged about $13.5 million towards strengthening Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response capacity.
Authorities have argued that the quarantine centre will also benefit Kenyan citizens and enhance the country’s disease surveillance capabilities, although many residents remain unconvinced.
The controversy has also begun to affect Kenya’s tourism sector. Hospitality operators report cancellations from corporate clients since news of the quarantine facility emerged, raising concerns about the country’s image as a safe destination.
The development follows a broader health cooperation agreement signed between Kenya and the United States last year, which generated public debate over the sharing of health-related data in exchange for financial assistance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC a global health emergency.
Current figures indicate more than 550 confirmed infections and over 100 fatalities, while neighbouring Uganda has recorded a limited number of cases linked to cross-border movement from the DRC.
Health experts have stressed the importance of community engagement and public trust in managing disease outbreaks, warning that resistance from local populations could undermine preparedness efforts.
