Two people died from gunshot wounds Tuesday in Nanyuki, central Kenya, during protests against a proposed US Ebola isolation center at nearby Laikipia Airbase.
One man was shot near the airbase demonstration and died after friends rushed him to Nanyuki hospital. The second man was brought in dead by soldiers. Both bodies at the hospital morgue show gunshot wounds, one to the chest and one to the shoulder. Police said they had no record of deaths, and officials have not commented on the circumstances.
Hundreds marched Monday, blocking roads and burning tires. Police used tear gas to break up the crowd. Community leader Patrick Wahome said one victim was shot while heading home after closing his business. The BBC has not confirmed details on the second death.
The planned 50-bed facility would be staffed by US medics to treat American citizens affected by the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo. Kenya has reported no Ebola cases.
A rights group went to court last Friday arguing the center poses “grave and imminent risks” to public health. The High Court halted construction and on Tuesday ordered the government to release full details of the plan.
President William Ruto defended the project Monday, calling it a “mutual agreement” after a request from President Donald Trump. He urged Kenyans not to politicize Ebola and said the government knows “what we are doing.”
Kenya’s doctors’ union and government watchdogs oppose the plan, citing infection risks for nearby communities. Military aircraft have continued flying in and out of Laikipia Airbase despite the court suspension.
