Kenyan President Supports US Ebola Quarantine Facility Despite Public Protests

NAIROBI – On Monday, Kenya’s President stepped forward to justify the U.S.’s creation of an Ebola quarantine center in Kenya, a decision that has sparked protests despite a court ruling temporarily halting the project.

President William Ruto emphasized on Monday evening that the U.S. has maintained a longstanding health collaboration with Kenya. He noted that the quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base is part of a network of 24 such centers prepared to respond to any potential Ebola outbreak in the nation.

The establishment of the facility at Laikipia has faced resistance from some Kenyans, following an announcement from the U.S. last week stating that American Ebola patients would not be repatriated but rather held at the Kenyan facility. The partnership involves a U.S. investment of $13 million.

On Tuesday, the high court extended a previous order from Friday that suspended both the construction of the facility and the transfer of international patients to Kenya. The legal challenge was initiated by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute, a constitutional watchdog, both expressing concerns over the capacity of Kenya’s health system to manage foreign Ebola cases.

Addressing the issue for the first time, President Ruto explained that his decision to support the facility’s development was grounded in the strong bilateral ties between Kenya and the U.S.

“When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a center at Laikipia Air Base, I gave the OK because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have worked with Kenya for 30-40 years,” he said.

Ruto said the facilities established across the country under the partnership would also benefit Kenyans in the event of an Ebola outbreak.

“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” he said.