Anti-Ebola Protesters in Nanyuki Threaten Fresh Demonstrations Despite Court Suspension of Quarantine Facility
Anti-Ebola protesters in Nanyuki have vowed to return to the streets, escalating tensions over a controversial proposed quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base despite a court order temporarily suspending the project.
Seventeen of the 31 protesters arrested during Monday’s demonstrations have warned they will resume protests on Tuesday unless plans to establish the facility are permanently abandoned.
The protesters were reportedly released on a cash bail of KSh10,000 each after being charged with unlawfully obstructing motor vehicles during the demonstrations.
The unrest began as residents marched peacefully toward Laikipia Air Base to voice their opposition to reports that a quarantine centre linked to Ebola preparedness efforts was being established within the military installation. However, the demonstrations later descended into chaos after protesters returned to Nanyuki town and clashed with police officers.
The dispute has sparked widespread concern among local residents, many of whom claim they were not adequately consulted before reports emerged regarding the proposed facility.
Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri joined calls for greater public participation, insisting that residents must be fully involved in any decision-making process concerning the project.
“Anything to do with an isolation or quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base or within the Nanyuki area, people have said they do not want it. If there are issues that require engagement, then all stakeholders must be involved,” Kamuri said.
The controversy follows reports alleging that the United States was planning to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya as part of regional emergency preparedness measures.
According to the reports, the facility would be capable of receiving Americans and other individuals requiring quarantine, with transportation arrangements including aircraft transfers when necessary.
Questions surrounding the project’s progress intensified after satellite imagery reportedly reviewed by Reuters showed significant activity within Laikipia Air Base. The images indicated that approximately 0.046 square kilometres (about 11 acres) of land had been cleared since May 27.
By June 4, a cluster of white tents had reportedly been erected on the site, while vehicles were observed moving within the enclosed area.
Further speculation was fuelled by eyewitness accounts claiming that aircraft carrying personnel and heavy equipment landed at the airbase last Thursday.
The protests have already turned deadly. At least two people were killed earlier this week during demonstrations opposing the proposed facility, further heightening tensions in the region and prompting renewed calls for transparency from authorities.
Amid growing public concern, a court issued orders temporarily suspending the establishment of the facility pending further legal proceedings.
In response, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi said it remains engaged with the Kenyan government and is working to address concerns raised by local communities and stakeholders.
The latest threat of renewed demonstrations raises the prospect of further unrest in Nanyuki, as residents continue demanding clarity over the project’s purpose, safety implications, and the extent of foreign involvement in its development.
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