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 Construction
Public 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 Center
The 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 Protests
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Ebola Had 'Big Head-Start,' WHO Chief Tedros Warns
8 jam lalu
WHO chief says the Ebola virus in central Africa has had a "big head-start" and warned that health authorities were still behind.
Kenyan President Backs Trump's Ebola Facility Amid Protests
2 hari lalu
Kenyan President's remarks mark the first time he openly confirmed Trump's request for the Ebola quarantine facility
Kenya Court Blocks US Plan for Ebola Quarantine Facility
5 hari lalu
Medical workers in Kenya oppose a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine plan, despite no confirmed cases in the country.
Sabastian Sawe Smashes Two-Hour World Record in London Marathon
38 hari lalu
Kenyan long-distance runner Sabastian Sawe broke the world record after winning the 2026 London Marathon in under two hours.
South Africa Deports Kenyans over US "Refugee" Program
17 Desember 2025
Authorities say the Kenyans were working illegally, processing refugee applications for white South Africans to support US President Trump's efforts.
Besides Indonesia's Whoosh, Which Countries Owe China for Infrastructure Development?
25 Oktober 2025
Like Indonesia's Whoosh project, many developing countries now face heavy debt after financing large infrastructure through Chinese loans.
AirAsia X to make inaugural flight from Malaysia to Africa on 15 November 2024
2 Juli 2024
Low-cost carrier AirAsia X (AAX) announces a new route to Africa, connecting travelers to the safari paradise of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Kenya Protests; Foreign Ministry Ensures Indonesian Citizens Safe
27 Juni 2024
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the ongoing demonstrations and riots in various regions of Kenya.
Haiti PM Vows to Retake Country as First Kenyan Police Arrive
27 Juni 2024
The first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in the Haitian capital to launch a long-awaited peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean country.
Police Fire on Demonstrators Trying to Storm Kenya Parliament, Several Dead
26 Juni 2024
Protests against a bill to raise taxes in Kenya descended into violence, killing at least five demonstrators.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/5495647/original/074499000_1770385031-barba.jpeg)
