June 4, 2026 | 04:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two people were killed during protests against the construction of an Ebola quarantine center in Central Kenya on Monday. As reported by Ashraq Al-Awsaat on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the two demonstrators were shot dead.The protest organizer, Patrick Wahome, stated that they were killed when the police fired live bullets into the crowd at Laikipia Air Base. He added that the military base was intended to be built into a quarantine center for U.S. citizens.Quoting the same report, the Kenyan National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson, Michael Muchiri, claimed the police were not aware of the detailed chronology of the deaths of the two participants.The protest initially took place around the U.S. Air Base before the demonstrators surged in. Subsequently, the protesters carrying banners and posters voiced their demands and began burning tires and blocking roads.As reported by Kenyans, a resident said the police were then deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd until 7 p.m. As of today, the NPS has not issued an official statement on the cause of the deaths.Kenyan President Approves Ebola Facility ConstructionPublic outrage was triggered by citizens' rejection of the construction of an Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base. They were concerned that amid the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it could threaten the health of Kenyan citizens.Earlier, Kenyan President William Ruto stated on Monday night, June 1, 2026, that he had authorized the establishment of the Ebola quarantine facility. He defended the project in the face of growing public opposition.As reported by Anadolu, Ruto initiated the construction of the facility after President Donald Trump personally requested Kenya's support."When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a center in Laikipia Air Base, I gave the okay because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30-40 years," Ruto said.Ruto rejected claims that the center was an unusual arrangement. He argued that Kenya has a long history of cooperation with the U.S. and international partners in health matters.Internal Debate About the Ebola Quarantine CenterThe facility has become the focus of fierce national debate following reports that the quarantine center would be used to isolate and monitor potentially Ebola-exposed American citizens.Last week, the Kenyan High Court temporarily suspended the establishment and operation of the facility pending the hearing of a constitutional petition challenging the project.Critics questioned why such a facility should be located in Kenya. They have expressed concerns about public health risks, transparency, and national sovereignty.Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases. However, health officials have intensified surveillance and screening measures at airports, borders, and health facilities as authorities monitor the regional outbreak.Read: Kenyan President Backs Trump's Ebola Facility Amid ProtestsClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
