Kenyan Youth Protest US Ebola Quarantine Centre at Laikipia Air Base
On Monday, hundreds of young Kenyans gathered in Nanyuki to voice their opposition to the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, designated for US citizens who may have been exposed to the virus. This demonstration came after a High Court halted the establishment of the center and the arrival of patients, following a lawsuit from the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional oversight group, which raised concerns about the country's vulnerable health infrastructure. US officials had planned to set up a 50-bed quarantine by Friday. Health Minister Aden Duale emphasized that the center would serve 'everyone,' not just American citizens. While Kenya has no reported Ebola cases, Uganda has confirmed nine and has closed its border with Congo.
Key facts
- Hundreds of youths in Nanyuki protested on Monday.
- The protest targeted an Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base.
- The centre was intended for US citizens exposed to Ebola.
- Kenya's High Court suspended the facility's establishment and patient arrivals.
- The Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog filed the case.
- They cited Kenya's fragile health system as a reason against the quarantine.
- US officials said the facility would have 50 quarantine beds by Friday.
- Health Minister Aden Duale said the centre was for 'everyone'.
Entities
Institutions
- Laikipia Air Base
- Law Society of Kenya
- High Court of Kenya
- Health Ministry of Kenya
- Kenyan court
- US government
Locations
- Nanyuki
- Kenya
- Laikipia Air Base
- Uganda
- Congo
- United States
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Nairobi