Kenyan Police Break Up Protests Over U.S.-Backed Ebola Quarantine Site

Kenyan police dispersed protesters in the central town of Nanyuki on June 9, 2026, during demonstrations against a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine center planned at a Kenyan air force base. The proposed 50-bed facility is intended to quarantine Americans exposed to Ebola during outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, according to officials and the source report.

Residents and local activists say the project shifts health risks onto Kenya and accuse U.S. and Kenyan authorities of pushing ahead despite Kenyan court orders barring further work. Police used tear gas to break up small groups of demonstrators, the report said.

The protests follow larger demonstrations last week that turned violent, with at least two people killed and one person wounded, according to the report. Tensions have grown as authorities publicly reaffirmed their support for the plan despite the court challenge.

The World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency on May 17 after officials detected the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola circulating in the DRC and spreading to neighboring Uganda. The report said there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.

Court challenge and construction activity

The U.S. government is proceeding with construction despite the court orders, the report said. U.S. officials said they were aware of the legal challenge and were working with the Kenyan government to resolve objections.

U.S. military planes have continued to transport personnel and equipment to the site, according to the report, which cited officials and tracking data. Satellite imagery described in the report showed an expansion of temporary structures inside the Laikipia airbase.

Who the facility would serve

Kenyan officials said the quarantine center would also serve Kenyans and other foreign nationals in addition to American citizens, according to the report. U.S. officials have not confirmed that arrangement.

Officials and residents are expected to continue contesting the project through the courts and public demonstrations as construction activity continues at the base.