Trending 
Kenya witnessed fresh unrest on Tuesday as several demonstrators were arrested during protests against a new Ebola quarantine centre in the tourist town of Nanyuki.
The facility, situated at Laikipia Air Base under the shadow of Mount Kenya, is intended to isolate US citizens arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently grappling with a severe Ebola outbreak.
Locals have voiced strong opposition to the project, citing Kenya’s Ebola-free record. Dozens gathered near the air base, some wearing protective suits and carrying a coffin marked “Ebola.”
The centre, nearing completion, is designed to accommodate 50 isolation beds and will be managed by US personnel. Construction had faced a temporary pause by Kenya’s High Court and opposition from local politicians in Laikipia. Previous protests on June 1 reportedly resulted in two deaths, though circumstances remain unclear.
President William Ruto has defended the facility, stressing Kenya’s longstanding health partnership with the US.
“The American people and government have been partners with us on matters of health for close to 25-30 years,” Ruto said, adding that rejecting the US request would be “inhuman.”
Kenya’s Health Minister clarified that the centre will also serve Kenyan nationals. Washington has committed $13.5 million to the country’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
The World Health Organisation has declared the DRC outbreak an international health emergency, reporting 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths.
Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed 19 cases, mainly Congolese nationals, highlighting the regional risk. Despite fears, Kenya has yet to record any Ebola infections, leaving the new facility at the centre of public debate and security concerns.
