world 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kenya Court Extends Block on US Ebola Facility Amid Deadly Protests
A Kenyan court has extended its block on a planned U.S. Ebola quarantine facility for three weeks, following protests that resulted in two deaths. The facility, intended for Americans exposed to the virus in neighboring countries, has sparked public outcry. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/protests-over-us-ebola-site-in-kenya-kill-two-court-keeps-block-5481994
A Kenyan court has put a pause on the establishment of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility for an additional three weeks, extending an existing injunction. The proposed 50-bed unit, slated for an air force base in Nanyuki, has ignited significant public anger among Kenyans, who fear their nation is being burdened with the health risks associated with handling potential Ebola cases.
Protests erupted in Nanyuki on Monday, with hundreds demonstrating their opposition to the facility. Tragically, reports indicate that two individuals died from gunshot wounds during the demonstrations, allegedly after police opened fire. While a security source corroborated the deaths, the cause remains disputed, with a police spokesperson stating they were unaware of the fatalities.
Despite the public outcry and ongoing legal challenge, U.S. military aircraft have reportedly continued to transport personnel and equipment to the site in recent days, according to U.S. officials and diplomatic sources.
Kenyan High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi has issued a clear order preventing the government from taking any action to construct or operationalize the facility until the lawsuit is resolved. A new court hearing has been scheduled for June 23.
President William Ruto has defended the agreement, characterizing the facility as part of a broader national preparedness strategy and a continuation of the long-standing health partnership between Kenya and the United States. He stated it would serve both Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals, though this aspect has not been officially confirmed by U.S. authorities.
The Ebola outbreak, specifically the Bundibugyo strain, is currently concentrated in eastern Congo, with some cases spreading to neighboring Uganda. This has led to over 900 suspected cases and more than 220 suspected deaths, with experts warning the actual numbers may be higher.
The facility is intended to house asymptomatic Americans exposed to the virus, with symptomatic patients slated to be transferred to other countries for treatment, according to U.S. officials. The facility would be staffed by members of the U.S. Public Health Service.