Several Kenyans were arrested on Tuesday during fresh protests against an Ebola quarantine centre being built for US citizens in Nanyuki.
The facility is being constructed at Laikipia Air Base, in the tourist town located near Mount Kenya.
It is expected to quarantine Americans arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where authorities are battling a major Ebola outbreak.
Kenya has never recorded an Ebola case. However, many residents and local leaders oppose plans to bring potential carriers of the highly infectious disease into the country.
Protesters Gather Near Air Base
Dozens of protesters gathered near Laikipia Air Base during the demonstration.
Some wore protective gear, while others carried a coffin marked with the word “Ebola.”
AFP journalists saw police arrest several people. Officers also fired tear gas to disperse the small crowds.
“We do not have that disease in this country. They are bringing a virus into our country,” Zipporah Wachira, 30, said.
Court Order Pauses Construction
The quarantine centre is expected to have 50 isolation beds. It will be managed by US staff and was nearing completion late last week.
The project had already triggered protests on June 1. Rights groups said two people died during the earlier unrest, although the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear.
Construction of the facility is under a temporary pause order issued by Kenya’s High Court.
Local politicians in Laikipia have also opposed the project.
Ruto Defends US Request
Despite public opposition, President William Ruto’s government has vowed to proceed with the plan.
Ruto said Kenya had benefited from years of US support in the health sector.
“The American people and government have been partners with us on matters of health for close to 25 to 30 years,” Ruto said last week.
“It would be most unfortunate if, on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their own cost, we were to refuse. We would look very inhuman.”
Kenya’s health minister has also defended the facility. The minister said it would serve both Kenyans and Americans.
Washington has pledged $13.5m to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
The plan follows a controversial health agreement signed between Kenya and the United States last year.
Under the deal, Kenya agreed to share large amounts of health data with the US in exchange for billions of dollars in aid.
The World Health Organisation has declared an international health emergency over the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.
The outbreak has recorded 515 confirmed infections, including 91 deaths.
