NANYUKI, Laikipia County—Two people were reportedly shot dead in Nanyuki during protests against plans by the United States government to establish an Ebola isolation centre at the Laikipia Airbase, according to reports by the BBC.
One of the victims is said to have been shot near the military base where demonstrations were taking place and later succumbed to injuries after being rushed to hospital by friends. The second victim was reportedly brought to the same hospital by soldiers, but was already dead upon arrival.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the deaths, and the circumstances surrounding the shootings remain unclear. A police spokesperson quoted by Reuters said he was not aware of any fatalities linked to the protests.
The unrest erupted on Monday as hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Nanyuki to oppose the proposed Ebola treatment facility. Protesters blocked roads, burned tyres and clashed with security officers, who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Community leader Patrick Wahome told the BBC that one of the deceased was shot while returning home after closing his business. The BBC reported that both bodies in the hospital morgue appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The proposed 50-bed Ebola isolation centre has generated widespread concern among residents and health stakeholders. The facility is expected to be staffed by American medical personnel and would primarily serve US citizens affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases.
The controversy intensified after the High Court temporarily halted plans to operationalise the facility following a petition by a rights group, which argued that the project posed significant public health risks.
On Tuesday, the court extended the suspension and directed the government to disclose details of the proposed facility.
Speaking on the matter for the first time, President William Ruto defended the arrangement, describing it as a mutual agreement between Kenya and the United States. He said Kenya had put in place adequate measures to safeguard public health and urged citizens not to politicise the issue.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,” the President said.
Despite the court order, reports indicate that military aircraft have continued operating in and out of the Laikipia Airbase, with observers suggesting preparations for the facility may still be ongoing.
The proposal has also drawn opposition from sections of the medical fraternity, including doctors’ representatives and public watchdog groups, who have raised concerns about potential risks to local communities.
The situation remains under close public scrutiny as legal proceedings continue and questions persist over the future of the proposed Ebola treatment centre.
More reports from BBC
