–Nanyuki, Kenya
Two people were shot and killed in Nanyuki, central Kenya, on June 1, 2026, during protests against a planned US-funded Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base. Hundreds of local youths demonstrated, fearing the center could expose the community to the deadly virus. Protest organizer Patrick Wahome said police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd, resulting in the deaths of two people from gunshot wounds. The victims' bodies were taken to a local hospital morgue.
The 50-bed center was intended to isolate asymptomatic US citizens exposed to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which affected the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Kenya has not reported any cases of Ebola. The protesters expressed concern about the secrecy surrounding the agreement between the United States and Kenya and its potential risks to public health and the livelihoods of the local population.
On June 2, Kenya’s High Court extended the suspension of the project for another three weeks. The court ordered the government to disclose all related agreements and risk assessments within seven days, with the next hearing scheduled for June 23.
President William Ruto defended the plan, describing it as part of Kenya’s disease preparedness and its long-standing collaboration with the United States. Despite the court ruling, some reports indicate that U.S. equipment and personnel had already begun arriving at the base.
The incident has heightened tensions and drawn international attention. Local leaders and human rights groups have demanded greater transparency and community consultation on such initiatives. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances of the shootings.