Protest Erupts In Kenya Over Proposed Quarantine Centre For Americans Exposed To Ebola
Protest Erupts In Kenya Over Proposed Quarantine Centre For Americans Exposed To Ebola Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 19:03 IST Laikipia Governor Joshua
Protest Erupts In Kenya Over Proposed Quarantine Centre For Americans Exposed To Ebola Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 19:03 IST Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu warned that the project could endanger nearby communities, saying, “This will expose our people to Ebola.” A protester raises a Kenyan flag near a burning barricade during a demonstration against a proposed Ebola quarantine center to be established by the US at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki in Kenya on Monday. (AP Photo) A proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Kenya’s Laikipia Air Base sparked protests on Monday, with hundreds of young demonstrators marching through the town of Nanyuki to oppose plans to host US citizens exposed to the virus. The protest came shortly after Kenya’s High Court temporarily blocked the establishment of the centre and suspended the admission of foreign patients.
The order followed a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, which argued that the country’s healthcare system is not adequately equipped to manage foreign Ebola cases. The controversy emerged after reports suggested that the US intended to quarantine Ebola-exposed American citizens in Kenya rather than transport them back home. US officials, speaking anonymously, said the facility would be set up at Laikipia Air Base with a capacity of 50 beds, AP reported. Protesters gathered outside the military installation on Monday, chanting slogans against the proposal and expressing concerns about the health risks involved. Addressing the issue, Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale said the facility was not being created solely for Americans and was intended for “everyone". The US has also pledged financial support for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness measures.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a contribution of $13.5 million toward strengthening the country’s response capabilities. Local leaders have also voiced objections. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu warned that the project could endanger nearby communities, saying, “This will expose our people to Ebola." He noted that many local residents are employed at the air base and could be vulnerable to infection. Kenya has not reported any Ebola infections so far. However, neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and recently shut its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to reports, Congo has recorded at least 282 confirmed Ebola cases and over 1,000 suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.
She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More Location: Kenya First Published: June 01, 2026, 19:03 IST News world Protest Erupts In Kenya Over Proposed Quarantine Centre For Americans Exposed To Ebola Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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