Police in Kenya arrested dozens of protesters in the town of Nanyuki on Tuesday, as tensions rose over the construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine centre. The centre, scheduled to open in Laikipia Air Base, has sparked widespread criticism with many arguing it poses a risk to the country's Ebola-free status.

The Kenyan government maintains that the centre is necessary to handle American citizens arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a major Ebola outbreak is currently being battled. Many locals remain opposed, with some going so far as to carry a coffin with 'Ebola' written on it to the protest site.

Rights groups claim that two people died during the protest, although the exact circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. The arrest of the protesters followed a temporary pause order issued by Kenya's High Court, which cited environmental concerns. The government, however, has vowed to press ahead with the project, citing a long-standing aid relationship with the United States.

Kenyan President William Ruto has defended the project, stating that 'it would be most unfortunate if on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their cost, we would refuse.' The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths reported so far.

The US has pledged $13.5 million in aid to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts. However, this has been met with skepticism by many, who point to a controversial health deal between the two countries last year. In this deal, Kenya agreed to share vast amounts of health data with the US in exchange for billions of dollars in aid.

Despite opposition, it appears that the Kenyan government is determined to push forward with the project. Many in the country are left feeling frustrated and concerned about the potential consequences.

The centre, which is expected to have 50 isolation beds, will be staffed by US personnel and managed under the agreement between the two countries. However, not everyone is convinced that the centre is necessary, with some arguing that Kenya is being asked to take on too much responsibility.

The situation has raised questions about the role of the US in Kenya's healthcare system and the potential risks posed by the quarantine centre. The controversy is expected to unfold in the coming weeks and months.

### Key Facts

  • Protesters arrested: dozens
  • Location: Nanyuki
  • Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
  • Centre capacity: 50 isolation beds
  • US aid: $13.5 million
  • Ebola deaths: 91 (in the Democratic Republic of Congo)

The construction of the quarantine centre has been met with widespread criticism, with many Kenyans expressing concerns about the potential risks posed by the disease. The Kenyan government has maintained that the centre is necessary to handle American citizens arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

'We don’t have that disease in this country… they are bringing a virus into our country,' said Zipporah Wachira, a protestor. The centre has sparked heated debates about the role of foreign aid in Kenya's healthcare system and the potential consequences of having such a centre in the country.