Kenyan police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Nanyuki, a central Kenyan town. The protests are against the construction of an Ebola quarantine centre for US citizens. This incident occurred on June 9, 2026, marking continued public dissent against the facility.
Demonstrators were waving Kenyan flags and carrying placards expressing their opposition. They also displayed a coffin with the word "Ebola" written on its side. Last week, two individuals died after police dispersed similar protests with gunshots, escalating tensions. The US plan has raised significant public concern about cross-border infection risks. Many citizens also worry about the government's lack of transparency regarding the treatment centre.
This situation fits into a broader narrative of public health concerns and government accountability in Africa. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted regional responses. Countries like Uganda have considered border closures. Ghana has also activated surveillance and isolation systems to counter the Ebola threat. This shows a widespread understanding of the potential for contagious disease spread. Local opposition in Nanyuki highlights the importance of public trust and communication in health crises.
President William Ruto defended the plan, stating he had received a request from the US to establish the centre. He called a refusal "inhuman" and urged Kenyans not to politicise the matter. However, a US official told the BBC that Kenya was chosen due to its proximity and limited airport capabilities in other regional countries. This facility is to ensure timely treatment for Americans. Last month, Kenya's High Court ordered a halt to the facility's opening. A rights group filed a case, citing "grave and imminent risks" to public health. Satellite imagery seen by the BBC indicates that construction has continued at the airbase despite the court’s ruling. A US official acknowledged awareness of the court case but remained "optimistic we can resolve objections."
The continuation of construction despite a High Court order will likely lead to further legal challenges and public outcry. Decision-makers in Kenya will need to address the public's health fears and the court's directive. This situation may influence future foreign aid projects and public health collaborations in the region. Markets might react to continued instability if protests escalate further.
The proposed 50-bed isolation centre would be staffed by US medics. It is designed to treat Americans affected by the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese city of Bunia, where the outbreak is centred, is 780km (485 miles) from Nanyuki. Uganda lies between DR Congo and Kenya. Currently, DR Congo has recorded approximately 600 confirmed Ebola cases and 100 deaths. Kenya has not reported any cases of Ebola.