Protests Erupt in Kenya After Fatalities Linked to Ebola Facility Plans
On Monday, two individuals were reportedly killed in Kenya during a protest against a proposed Ebola isolation center aimed at American citizens, located at a military base.
As the BBC reported, one victim succumbed to injuries at a hospital after being taken by a friend near the Laikipia Air Base, while the second was declared dead by the time he reached the hospital.
One of the deceased was identified as 27-year-old Charles Mangalo Mwangi. His family shared that he was merely visiting a friend that day and was not partaking in the protests. His mother noted, “He wasn’t throwing rocks or anything at the police. He was just on the road when he was shot,” suggesting he may have been targeted by law enforcement.
The Laikipia Air Base, situated close to Nanyuki, is set to host a 50-bed isolation center for Ebola patients, part of a U.S. initiative in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
U.S. officials explained the base was selected for its timely access to treatment for Americans, considering other airports were deemed unsuitable due to limited capacity for medical flights.
“Currently, no Americans are scheduled for transfer to these bioisolation facilities,” a U.S. representative stated, emphasizing that the facilities would be available for emergencies.
A U.S. Air Force plane is said to have landed at Laikipia Air Base on Friday, carrying supplies and personnel.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently discussed the outbreak with Kenyan President William Ruto, committing $13.5 million to Kenya’s Ebola response, in addition to $112 million in broader regional aid. Officials claimed the facility would also serve Kenyan military and civilians when needed.
Despite Ruto’s support for the initiative, public sentiment appears largely unfavorable. Protests have erupted, and the Law Society of Kenya, alongside medical professionals, has petitioned the National High Court to halt the facility’s construction.
Opponents decried the idea of turning Kenya into a “geopolitical isolation ward,” expressing concerns that the country’s fragile healthcare system may not manage an Ebola crisis.
The Kenyan High Court moved to block the facility’s operation, forbidding the entry of Ebola patients and requiring the government to disclose comprehensive information about the project.
In his first public comment on the issue, Ruto expressed surprise at the backlash, asserting, “The facility at Laikipia Air Base is no different from any other facility across Kenya.” He emphasized Kenya’s experience with managing such facilities, noting the long-standing collaboration with the U.S. on health initiatives.
Ruto explained that he agreed to the facility’s establishment as part of a long-term partnership with the U.S., which has historically supported Kenya in various health crises.
“I question why people politicize a serious issue like a pandemic,” he remarked, defending the government’s intentions.
Meanwhile, protests in Nanyuki continued, with road blockades and burning tire piles. Some demonstrators carried signs accusing the government of jeopardizing their safety with Ebola.
“Why not set this up in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Why does it have to be here?” one protestor questioned.
They demanded, without negotiation or public discourse, the removal of the facility from their town and country.
The Laikipia Air Base facility is still under construction, with further aircraft expected to arrive soon amidst ongoing legal debates surrounding the project.
The recent court ruling has delayed the opening of the isolation facilities for three weeks, although some U.S. officials indicated they might be ready to accept patients shortly thereafter.
Reports suggest Ruto has received a warning from U.S. diplomats, indicating he might not fully grasp the depth of public opposition, which has been inflamed by rising fuel costs and a looming anniversary of past anti-government protests.
“The criticism is exacerbated by the facility’s construction continuing despite a court order,” said one source.
The U.S. State Department has attempted to ease tensions, stating that U.S. citizens at high risk of Ebola exposure would be quarantined at the facility, but those showing symptoms would be treated elsewhere.
