Fatalities Amid Protests in Nanyuki
Two individuals have been shot dead in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki during protests opposing US plans to establish an Ebola isolation centre at a nearby military base, according to information obtained by the BBC.
One victim was shot near the Laikipia Airbase, the site of a demonstration. He was transported to the town's hospital by friends but succumbed to his injuries.
The second victim was brought to the hospital by soldiers already deceased. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, and officials have yet to provide comments. A police spokesman told he was unaware of any fatalities.
Details of the Protests
On Monday, hundreds of protesters marched through Nanyuki's streets, blocking roads and burning tyres. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Community leader Patrick Wahome told the BBC:
"One of those who died was shot when he was heading home after closing his business."
The BBC has been unable to verify the circumstances of the second man's death. Both bodies, currently in the hospital morgue, show gunshot wounds—one to the chest and the other to the shoulder.
Background on the Ebola Isolation Centre
The US plan to establish an Ebola treatment facility in Kenya has raised public concerns about the risk of cross-border infection.
The proposed 50-bed isolation centre, to be staffed by US medical personnel, aims to treat US citizens affected by the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases to date.
Last Friday, Kenya's High Court ordered a halt to the centre's opening following a case brought by a rights group alleging the facility posed "grave and imminent risks" to public health.
Government Response
On Monday evening, President William Ruto addressed the issue for the first time, defending the plan and stating that Kenya had "deployed every arsenal" to protect the country.
He told journalists that the US government requested Kenyan support in managing the virus, which he promptly accepted, describing it as a "mutual agreement." He said:
"When President [Donald] Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a centre in Laikipia Airbase I gave the ok because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30, 40 years."
The president urged Kenyans not to politicise the issue, calling it "so serious" and asking politicians to avoid "reckless" comments.
"We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,"
he added.
Legal Developments and Ongoing Preparations
On Tuesday, the High Court extended the suspension of the centre's opening and ordered the government to disclose details of the proposed Ebola facility.
Despite the court order, military aircraft have been observed flying in and out of the airbase, which experts interpret as ongoing preparations.
Opposition to the Plan
Kenya's doctors' union and government watchdogs have opposed the plan, citing risks of exposing local populations to the virus.
