Kenyans fear US plan for Ebola quarantine site

People in Nanyuki, near Laikipia Air Base, have criticised a US proposal to set up an Ebola quarantine facility there, saying it would expose locals and demonstrate double standards. “Everybody should be quarantined in their home country. We shouldn’t allow foreigners to bring us diseases,” said Charles Mathenge, a taxi driver who lives near the base.

“Kenya is our country, and we should be careful with it.” National anger has risen in recent days. A protest organiser said two people died from gunshot wounds when police opened fire on demonstrators near the airbase; police said they were unaware of any deaths.

David Mulinge, a souvenir seller, said: “What’s shocking is that the Americans don’t want their infected fellow citizens to step into their own country but to come to Kenya. That’s like treating us as lesser beings.” The US plans to send 30 medical personnel to staff a 50-bed facility intended to care for Americans exposed to Ebola.

Kenya, Nanyuki

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