Protests Erupt in Kenya Over US Ebola Quarantine Center

Protests occurred in Nanyuki, Kenya, against the construction of a US Ebola quarantine center, resulting in several arrests as police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Demonstrators, including 30-year-old Zipporah Wachira, opposed the idea of bringing potential Ebola carriers into Kenya, especially given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has seen 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths.

The quarantine center, which is near completion and will have 50 isolation beds managed by US staff, has sparked significant public outcry. Local politicians and rights groups have voiced their opposition, leading to a temporary halt in construction ordered by Kenya's High Court.

President William Ruto has vowed to proceed with the facility, emphasizing the importance of US aid and health partnerships. The US has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts, following a controversial health data exchange agreement last year.