Two people have been killed in Nanyuki, central Kenya, during protests against a proposed U.S. Ebola quarantine facility on an air force base, with a Kenyan court extending its order blocking construction for another three weeks.

The 50-bed unit is intended for Americans exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda. The plan has angered many Kenyans who accuse the U.S. of shifting health risks to Kenya.

A Kenyan High Court last week temporarily suspended the project after a lawsuit by a legal advocacy group. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Judge Patricia Nyaundi barred the government from taking any steps to build or begin operations at the Nanyuki site until the case is resolved. The next hearing is set for June 23, 2026.

Violence broke out Monday when hundreds protested in Nanyuki. Protest organizer Patrick Wahome said two demonstrators died from gunshot wounds after police opened fire. A security source confirmed two deaths but did not specify the cause. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said he was not aware of any fatalities.

President William Ruto defended the deal on Monday, saying the facility is part of Kenya’s national health preparedness plan and a long-running partnership with Washington. He claimed it would serve both Kenyans and foreign nationals, though U.S. officials have not confirmed this. “We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,” Ruto said.

U.S. military aircraft have continued flying staff and equipment into the base in recent days, according to U.S. officials and diplomatic sources. The U.S. State Department had not responded to requests for comment as of Tuesday.

Source: Reuters