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Two shot dead during Nanyuki protests
Two men were fatally shot in Nanyuki, central Kenya, amid demonstrations against a proposed US Ebola isolation facility at a nearby military base, local sources told the BBC.
Victims identified, families demand answers
One victim, 27-year-old Charles Mang'aro Mwangi, was shot near Laikipia Airbase while heading to visit a friend, his mother said. She insisted he was not participating in the protests and had no involvement in the clashes.
"He was just on the road, minding his own business when he was shot. He did not carry stones or throw anything at the police," Joyce Wangari told reporters.
The second victim, whose identity remains unconfirmed, was brought to the hospital by soldiers and pronounced dead on arrival. Both bodies showed gunshot wounds-one to the chest, the other to the shoulder-but authorities have not commented on the circumstances.
Protests and security response
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Nanyuki on Monday, blocking roads and burning tires. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. By Tuesday morning, the town was calm but under heavy security presence.
A police spokesman told Reuters he was unaware of any fatalities, while local officials have yet to issue a statement.
Controversy over US Ebola facility
The proposed 50-bed isolation centre, staffed by US medics, aims to treat American citizens affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has recorded no Ebola cases to date.
A US official cited proximity, regional airport limitations, and the need for timely medical care as reasons for selecting Kenya. The State Department stated no Americans are currently scheduled for transfer to the facility but confirmed plans to transport patients by air if necessary.
Legal challenges and political reactions
Kenya's High Court suspended the facility's opening last Friday after a rights group filed a case alleging "grave and imminent risks" to public health. The court extended the suspension on Tuesday, ordering the government to disclose details of the project.
President William Ruto defended the plan on Monday, calling it a "mutual agreement" with the US and urging Kenyans not to politicize the issue. He emphasized Kenya's ability to manage the risks, stating, "We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing."
Despite the court order, military aircraft have continued flights in and out of Laikipia Airbase, suggesting preparations are ongoing. Kenya's doctors' union and government watchdogs have opposed the plan, warning of potential exposure risks to local populations.
