Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in the Kenyan town of Nanyuki on Tuesday during demonstrations against a proposed United States-run Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base.
Police reportedly used tear gas, water cannons and gunfire to disperse crowds after protesters blocked roads, lit fires and threw stones at security personnel.
Public anger over Ebola facility
The planned quarantine centre is intended to house and monitor US citizens exposed to the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Many Kenyans have opposed the project, arguing that it transfers the health risks associated with Ebola to Kenya, a country that has never recorded a confirmed Ebola case.
The facility, which is expected to contain 50 isolation beds and be operated by American personnel, was nearing completion before the protests intensified.
Government insists project will continue
Despite a temporary suspension order issued by a Kenyan court and growing opposition from local leaders, the government of President William Ruto has vowed to continue with the project.
Officials argue that Kenya's long-standing partnership with the United States includes cooperation on public health and emergency preparedness. Washington has reportedly committed millions of dollars to strengthen Kenya’s Ebola response capacity.
Casualties and arrests reported
The unrest led to several arrests, while images from the scene showed violent confrontations between protesters and police. Reports also indicated that at least one person was killed during the clashes, although authorities had not immediately released full details.
Ebola fears fuel demonstrations
The protests come amid rising concern over the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring countries. While health experts say preparedness measures are important to prevent cross-border spread, many residents fear that hosting a quarantine facility could expose Kenya to unnecessary risks.
The demonstrations have highlighted growing public disagreement over the government's decision and are likely to intensify debate about the project in the coming weeks.
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