Two people have been killed in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki during protests against US plans to establish an Ebola isolation center at a nearby military base.
One of the victims was shot in an area near the Laikipia Airbase where a demonstration was occurring. He died after being transported to the town’s hospital by companions.
The second victim was already deceased when he was brought to the hospital by military personnel.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, and officials have not provided any statements on the matter. A police spokesperson informed Reuters news agency that he was unaware of any fatalities.
On Monday, hundreds of protesters marched through the town’s streets, blocking roads and burning tires, with police using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Community leader Patrick Wahome informed the BBC that one of the deceased was shot as he “was heading home after closing his business”.
The BBC has not been able to verify the circumstances of the second man’s death. Both bodies, currently in the hospital morgue, appear to have gunshot wounds – one in the chest and another on the shoulder.
The US proposal to establish an Ebola treatment facility in Kenya has raised public concerns about cross-border infection risks.
The 50-bed isolation center, to be staffed by American medical personnel, is designed to treat US citizens affected by the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases to date.
Last Friday, the High Court ordered the suspension of the center’s opening following a lawsuit by a rights group claiming the facility posed “grave and imminent risks” to public health.
Addressing the issue for the first time on Monday evening, President William Ruto defended the plan, stating that Kenya had “deployed every arsenal” to protect the nation.
He informed journalists that the US government had requested Kenyan assistance in managing the virus, which he immediately accepted, describing it as a “mutual agreement”.
“When President [Donald] Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a center in Laikipia Airbase I gave the approval because it was an agreement with friends who have stood with Kenya for 30, 40 years,” he stated.
He appealed to Kenyans not to politicize a matter “so serious” as Ebola, urging politicians to avoid “reckless” comments on the subject.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,” he added.
On Tuesday, the High Court prolonged the suspension, instructing the government to reveal details of the proposed Ebola facility.
Military aircraft have been observed entering and exiting the airbase, with experts suggesting this indicates ongoing preparations despite the court order.
Kenya’s medical association and government oversight bodies have opposed the plan, warning it could endanger local populations.