Two people have been reportedly shot dead in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki amid protests against US plans to establish an Ebola isolation centre.
According to reports by BBC, one of the victims was shot in an area close to the Laikipia Airbase where a demonstration was taking place.
He died after being brought to the town’s hospital by friends while the other victim was already dead when he was taken to the hospital by soldiers.
Reports indicate that the circumstances of their deaths are not clear, and officials have not commented on the matter.
Two people were shot dead in the Nanyuki protests
Initially, two people were reportedly seriously injured during the demonstrations, raising fears that the death toll could rise following the unrest.
Further reports indicate that residents began the protests around 7am, decrying the health risks posed by the facility’s proximity and demanding transparency on the rationale for establishing it in Kenya rather than in the U.S.
Hundreds marched through parts of the town carrying placards and leaves, chanting slogans rejecting the proposed Ebola facility.
During the protests, demonstrators were reportedly demanding the complete closure of the facility by June 9.
This comes after the government planned to set up an Ebola facility in Nanyuki.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the facility was not only being set up in Nanyuki, but also in twelve others across the country.
He further clarified that the facility is not only for foreigners but for the entire citizens in the county be there any cases of Ebola.
