Lilian Nyiva
NANYUKI, Kenya – Police on Tuesday fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Nanyuki as fresh demonstrations broke out against the planned construction of a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
The protests come amid growing opposition from residents and local leaders who have voiced concerns over the proposed facility, which is intended to accommodate Americans exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Reports from the scene indicated that sections of Nanyuki town experienced reduced activity, with some streets remaining largely deserted as security personnel maintained a heavy presence around key areas.
Demonstrators vowed to continue opposing the project, insisting that the facility should not be established in Kenya. Some protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of the project, arguing that it poses potential public health risks to local communities. Police moved in to disperse groups that had gathered near the town and roads leading to the air base.
Court Orders and Ongoing Dispute
The latest demonstrations occurred despite an earlier High Court order temporarily suspending the establishment of the quarantine centre and the arrival of any foreign patients pending the hearing of a legal challenge filed by the Law Society of Kenya and other petitioners. The case is expected to be heard later this month.
Residents opposing the project have argued that Kenya, which has not recorded any Ebola cases, should not host foreign nationals exposed to the virus. Local leaders have also expressed concerns about the potential impact on public health and safety.
Government Defends the Facility
The Kenyan government has defended the proposed facility, saying it forms part of broader efforts to strengthen emergency response and disease preparedness. President William Ruto has described the project as a necessary health preparedness measure and maintained that Kenya is acting responsibly in supporting international efforts to contain infectious disease outbreaks.
Health authorities have also stated that the planned facility is not exclusively for American citizens and could support wider emergency response efforts if required.
Rising Tensions in Nanyuki
Tuesday's protests follow earlier demonstrations that drew hundreds of residents to the streets of Nanyuki. Opposition to the project has intensified in recent weeks, with residents citing fears of exposure to Ebola and questioning why the facility is being established in Kenya rather than in countries directly affected by the outbreak.
Security remained tight around Laikipia Air Base as authorities monitored the situation. Protest leaders said they would continue resisting the project until plans for the facility are permanently shelved.
The proposed quarantine centre remains at the centre of a growing legal and political dispute, with court proceedings expected to determine its future in the coming weeks.
