Two people killed in Kenya during protests over U.S. Ebola center - Reuters

A court in Kenya has blocked the construction of a U.S. quarantine center for people who may have been infected with the Ebola virus for another three weeks. Two people died amid protests against the facility. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.

Details

The project in question is a U.S.-proposed 50-bed quarantine center in the town of Nanyuki in central Kenya. It was intended to house U.S. citizens who may have come into contact with the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda.

Some Kenyans opposed the project, accusing the U.S. of transferring the risks associated with treating a dangerous disease to Kenyan territory.

Kenya High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi barred the country's government from taking any steps toward constructing or launching the facility until the case is concluded. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23.

Mass protests took place in Nanyuki the day before. Protest organizer Patrick Wahome stated that two people died from gunshot wounds after police opened fire. Security sources also confirmed the deaths of two people.

At the same time, police spokesperson Michael Muchiri stated that he had no information regarding any fatalities.

Kenyan President William Ruto defended the agreement with the U.S., stating that the center is part of a broader preparedness plan for outbreaks of dangerous diseases.

"We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing," Ruto said.

According to Reuters, an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is currently centered in eastern Congo, with isolated cases already recorded in Uganda. More than 900 suspected cases and over 220 possible deaths have been reported.

Amid Ebola outbreak in Congo, experts warn of link to bushmeat30.05.26, 21:18 • 5502 views