Two Shot Dead Protesting US Ebola Centre Plan in Kenya

Two people have been shot dead in Kenya. The deaths occurred during protests against plans for a US Ebola isolation centre. Demonstrators gathered in Nanyuki, a town in central Kenya. The protest focused on a US military base. This facility, the Laikipia Airbase, is near the town.

One victim died after friends brought him to the local hospital. He was shot near the airbase. The second victim was already dead when soldiers took him to the hospital. Unconfirmed reports suggest both had gunshot wounds. Officials have not provided official comments on the deaths. A police spokesman told Reuters he was unaware of any fatalities.

Hundreds of people marched on Monday. They blocked roads and burned tyres. Police responded by firing tear gas to break up the crowd. A community leader stated one man was shot while going home from work. The second man’s death circumstances remain unclear. Both bodies are in the hospital morgue and show signs of gunshot wounds.

The US intends to create a 50-bed Ebola isolation centre. It would treat US citizens infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak. Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases. The plan has sparked worries about cross-border infection. Last Friday, the High Court ordered a halt to the centre's opening. A rights group filed a case alleging public health risks. The court wants more details about the facility.

President William Ruto defended the plan on Monday evening. He called it a mutual agreement with the US. He stated Kenya had deployed "every arsenal" to protect itself. The US government requested Kenyan support. President Ruto said he accepted this request promptly. He described the US as friends who have supported Kenya for decades. He urged Kenyans not to politicise this serious matter. He asked politicians to avoid "reckless" talk.

He added, "We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing." The High Court extended its suspension on Tuesday. It ordered the government to reveal the facility's details. Military aircraft have continued to fly in and out of Laikipia Airbase. Experts suggest preparation is ongoing, despite the court order. Kenya's doctors' union and government watchdogs oppose the plan. They believe it endangers local populations.