A proposed U.S Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya sparked protests killing two people, prompting a Kenyan High Court on Tuesday to block the proposal for another three weeks. The court also ordered the Kenyan government to disclose its agreement with the United States.
The proposal included a 50-bed unit on an air force in central Kenya for Americans exposed to the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Uganda. Kenyan citizens have accused the United States of offloading the health risk of caring for patients.
A Kenyan Court had temporarily suspended the plan last week in response to a lawsuit from a legal advocacy group. However, a U.S official and diplomatic sources reported that U.S military aircraft continued to defy court orders, flying in staff and equipment.
Kenyan High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi issued an order on Tuesday, preventing the Kenyan government from building or beginning operations at the facility before the case is resolved. Nyaundi also ordered the administration to disclose all agreements with the United States and operational protocols related to the facility within seven days. She scheduled the next hearing for June 23.
The U.S State Department has not yet responded to the order.
Citizens stormed the streets on Nanyuki on Monday, protesting against the facility. Organiser of the demonstration, Patrick Wahome, said two people were killed by gunshot wounds after police opened fire. A security source also said two people died but did not mention the cause.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri claimed he was not aware of the deaths.
Kenyan President defends the facility
Kenyan President William Ruto on Monday assured that the ebola site was part of a wider national preparedness plan and a long-running health partnership with the United States.
He said it would serve Kenyan and foreign nationals as well, although U.S officials are yet to confirm the statement.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,” said Ruto.
