Kenya Court Extends Block on U.S.-Funded Ebola Facility

Kenya's High Court has extended a block on establishing a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki, following protests that turned deadly. Two people died during clashes between demonstrators and police on Monday, according to protest organizer Patrick Wahome and security sources reported by Reuters.

The planned 50-bed facility was intended to house Americans exposed to Ebola but still asymptomatic. The court's order will remain in effect until a final ruling is made on June 23. According to Al Jazeera, U.S. officials confirmed the center would be based at Laikipia Air Base.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international public health emergency on May 17 due to the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there are no approved vaccines or treatments against this variant. According to Reuters, WHO announced a $518 million six-month plan to fight Ebola on June 3, with donors pledging $315.8 million so far.

Health Minister Aden Duale stated that the facility would serve everyone, not just U.S. nationals. Protesters argued that Kenya's health infrastructure is too fragile to cope with the potential dangers posed by the Ebola quarantine facility. Local leaders and residents expressed concerns about the risk of exposure to the virus, given that many locals work inside the air base and interact with military personnel.

The U.S. government has committed $13.5 million toward Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts. Despite the court order, U.S. military aircraft have continued to fly in staff and equipment. According to The Guardian, residents near Laikipia Air Base expressed strong criticism of the plan, fearing it would expose them to the virus.

Kenya's President William Ruto defended the plan, stating it was being politicized and part of broader national health preparedness measures. However, High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi barred the government from proceeding with the plan until the case is resolved and ordered the disclosure of all related agreements within seven days.

The outbreak in the DRC has affected about 1,000 people, with around 200 suspected deaths according to UPI. It hasn't spread to Kenya, but some Kenyans fear it could. President Ruto emphasized that Kenya is prepared should it have to deal with Ebola and highlighted the long-standing support from the United States for the country's healthcare system.