A protest unfolded in Nanyuki, Kenya as demonstrators rallied against the proposed establishment of an Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base. This facility is intended for American citizens who have been exposed to the virus.
The protests happen after Kenya’s High Court suspended the plan pending a legal hearing. The Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog filed a case citing concerns over Kenya’s fragile health system and arguing against hosting foreign Ebola patients in the country.
American officials discussed plans to send citizens exposed to Ebola to the new center in Kenya rather than returning them home. This facility at Laikipia Air Base is expected to have 50 quarantine beds operational by Friday.
On Monday, hundreds of youths protested by marching to the air base, chanting slogans against Ebola. Health Minister Aden Duale clarified that the facility is intended for all, not solely for U.S. nationals.
Plans to bolster Kenya’s Ebola preparedness include a $13.5 million commitment from the U.S., as announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Local leaders, including Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, expressed opposition to the center, fearing exposure risks to the locals working at the base. Malin Ndegwa, a local resident, questioned hosting Ebola-exposed individuals when Kenya is not the outbreak’s epicenter. He urged the removal of the facility from the town and country.
Despite Uganda recording nine Ebola cases and closing its border with Congo, Kenya hasn’t reported any. Congo reported 282 confirmed Ebola cases, with over 1,000 suspected cases. The current Bundibugyo virus strain lacks approved treatment or vaccine.
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