Ruto Defends US Ebola Quarantine Facility in Kenya

Kenya’s decision to allow the United States to build an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base has become the subject of a dispute between the government, local residents and the courts.

Speaking during a State visit to South Africa on Thursday, President William Ruto defended the project, saying Kenya was acting responsibly by permitting the construction of the facility. He said refusing Washington’s request would be “inhuman” and insisted the government was making the correct decision. Ruto made the remarks alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The project has faced growing opposition within Kenya. Construction of the 50-bed facility has continued despite a court order issued on 28 May directing that work be suspended. The US embassy in Nairobi has acknowledged the legal challenge and said it is working with Kenyan authorities to address the concerns raised. However, flight records and statements from local officials indicate that construction activity has continued.

Tensions have increased in Nanyuki, the town near the air base, where protests earlier this week resulted in the deaths of at least two people. Demonstrators have expressed concerns that the facility could expose the local community to health risks. Many residents say they were not adequately consulted before the project was approved.

The facility is being developed in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has infected hundreds of people and spread into Uganda, where 15 cases have been reported. US officials view the centre as a precautionary measure to protect American personnel who may be exposed while working in the region.