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Today in Africa — June 2, 2026: Two Killed in Kenya Protests, Ebola Case Count Revised Down

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. June 2, coverage includes: public anger over a planned U.S. Ebola quarantine center in Kenya turning deadly; authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo refining outbreak figures and working to slow the spread of the Bundibugyo strain; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Activists chant slogans as they carry placards and a mock coffin during a protest against a US-built Ebola quarantine center planned to begin operations at Kenya's Laikipia Air Base, in Nairobi on June 2, 2026.
Two people were killed after being shot during protests in Kenya against a planned Ebola quarantine facility to house U.S. citizens exposed to the outbreak.

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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Two Killed During Protests Over Planned U.S.-Backed Ebola Facility in Kenya

Two people have died from gunshot wounds in the Kenyan town of Nanyuki amid protests against plans to establish a U.S.-supported Ebola isolation facility at the nearby Laikipia Airbase. The deaths came after hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tires over fears the proposed 50-bed center could expose local communities to Ebola, despite Kenya having recorded no cases. The facility, intended for U.S. citizens exposed to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, remains suspended after a court order, while President William Ruto has defended the plan as part of a long-standing partnership with the United States.

What Else We Know:

• Kenya’s High Court has extended the suspension and ordered the government to disclose details of the proposed agreement.

• Ruto said he approved the facility after a request from U.S. President Donald Trump and urged Kenyans not to politicize the issue.

• Military aircraft have continued operating around the airbase, with experts saying preparations appear to be ongoing despite the court order.

• Kenya’s doctors’ union and several watchdog groups oppose the facility, arguing it could pose risks to public health.

• A group of former U.S. health officials warned that treating or quarantining exposed Americans in Kenya would break with longstanding medical repatriation practices and could undermine Ebola response efforts.

DR Congo Revises Ebola Case Count as Testing Improves

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sharply revised down the number of suspected Ebola cases after investigations ruled out hundreds of infections, with the World Health Organization now reporting 321 confirmed cases, 116 suspected cases, and 48 deaths. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has spread across parts of eastern Congo and into neighboring Uganda, where confirmed cases have risen to 15. As authorities work to strengthen testing and containment efforts, Congo has reopened Bunia airport, a key transport hub in the outbreak’s epicenter.

How the Outbreak Is Evolving:

• WHO said many previously suspected cases were removed from the tally after testing showed patients had other illnesses or no Ebola infection.

• The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine, and limited testing capacity complicated early detection efforts.

• Bunia airport had been closed to passenger traffic last month, with only approved humanitarian and medical flights allowed to operate.

• New airport health measures include temperature screening, mandatory handwashing, and restrictions on passengers with fevers.

• Uganda’s health ministry said six new cases were identified among known contacts of confirmed patients, with one death and two recoveries reported so far.

Kenyan Women March Against Rising Gender-Based Violence

Hundreds of women marched through Nairobi yesterday, Monday, June 1, demanding urgent action against gender-based violence and the killing of women in Kenya. The protest was fueled by growing concern over recent cases of violence, including the killing of a singer who was reportedly set on fire, as well as reports of missing children. Demonstrators carried a coffin and signs reading “Stop Killing Women,” while calling on the government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis.

What Advocates Are Demanding:

• Women’s rights groups issued the government a 40-day ultimatum on May 21 to declare a national crisis over gender-based violence, but decided to begin demonstrations earlier.

• Kenya’s police service recently created a specialized unit combining forensic experts, intelligence analysts, and homicide investigators to handle gender-based violence cases.

• The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya says it receives about 70 gender-based violence cases every week across its offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.

• Gender Minister Hannah Wendot has called for swift investigations into reports of increasing child disappearances.

• Police say many reported cases are linked to domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offenses, assault, and unresolved family conflicts.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Faces Further Review

Ghanaian President John Mahama says the country’s newly passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo legal scrutiny before any final approval. Speaking during a visit to the UK, Mahama said his legal advisers and attorney general would review the legislation and address procedural concerns raised during its passage through parliament.

Kenyan School Fire Suspects Appear in Court

Nine students accused of planning and carrying out the dormitory fire that killed 16 girls at Utumishi Girls School appeared in court today, Tuesday, June 2. Investigators say evidence, including CCTV footage, suggests the fire was started with a mattress, a matchstick, and paraffin, while authorities continue working to identify some victims through DNA testing.

Senegal’s Ruling Party Splits From New Government

Senegal’s political tensions deepened after former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said his Pastef party would not join President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s newly announced government. The move raises the prospect of a standoff between the presidency and a party that still holds a commanding majority in parliament as the country grapples with debt troubles and stalled IMF negotiations.

Ghana Pauses South Africa Repatriation Applications

Ghanaian authorities have temporarily suspended new applications for a voluntary repatriation program helping citizens return from South Africa. The pause comes after more than 1,500 people signed up, with officials saying they need time to verify and assess existing applications before reopening registration.

U.S. Plans Major Reduction in Visa Processing Across Africa

The U.S. State Department plans to reduce the number of African embassies and consulates handling full visa services from nearly 50 to 20, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press. Applicants from countries without a designated processing hub may soon have to travel abroad to apply, as the Trump administration tightens immigration policies and scales back consular operations.

Ghana and the UK Sign £215 Million Economic Partnership

Ghana and the United Kingdom have signed a £215 million (about $290 million) partnership to boost trade, investment, education, and industrial growth. At the signing ceremony in London, President John Mahama said Ghana’s economy is showing signs of recovery, pointing to lower inflation, stronger reserves, a more stable cedi, and improved investor confidence.

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