Heavy Police Presence as Anti-Ebola Protests Erupt in Nanyuki

Heavy Police Presence as Anti-Ebola Protests Erupt in Nanyuki

NANYUKI, Kenya — Tension remained high in Nanyuki on June 9 as residents staged another round of protests against a proposed U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, despite ongoing court proceedings over the controversial project.

Security agencies deployed heavily across parts of the town, with anti-riot police and water cannons positioned near major streets and government installations as authorities sought to contain the demonstrations.

Images circulating from the town showed protesters carrying placards and twigs while chanting slogans opposing the planned isolation facility. Businesses remained shut in several areas, and sections of the town appeared deserted as residents stayed away from the unrest.

By Tuesday afternoon, there had been no confirmed reports of violence involving protesters or police officers, although security remained visibly heightened.

Why residents are protesting

The protests stem from plans to establish a 50-bed Ebola quarantine and isolation centre at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki. The project, backed by the United States and approved by the Kenyan government in late May, was designed to provide emergency isolation and medical support for American citizens and personnel exposed to Ebola while operating in Africa.

The facility was reportedly funded through approximately KSh1.68 billion (about USD13 million) in U.S. support following Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Opponents of the project say local communities were not adequately consulted and fear the facility could expose residents to unnecessary health risks.

Court orders and earlier clashes

Public opposition intensified after reports emerged that U.S. military aircraft had landed at the air base despite a High Court order temporarily halting implementation of the project. The court suspension followed a petition filed by the Katiba Institute, which challenged the legality and transparency of the arrangement.

The first major wave of demonstrations on June 1 ended violently, with police using tear gas and live ammunition during clashes with protesters. At least two demonstrators were killed and 31 others were arrested during the unrest.

Those arrested were later released on bail, and protest organizers vowed to continue demonstrations unless the project was permanently abandoned.

The High Court has since directed the government to disclose all agreements and operational details related to the proposed facility before any further steps are taken.

Heavy police deployment

On Tuesday, police maintained a strong presence across Nanyuki, particularly near public offices and routes leading toward the air base. Water cannons and anti-riot units were deployed as a precaution against possible escalation.

Witnesses said most commercial activity slowed significantly as traders closed shops and public transport movement declined in affected areas.

U.S. Embassy issues advisory

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a security advisory to American citizens in Laikipia County ahead of the planned demonstrations.

“Reports indicate that a demonstration is planned for June 9 in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia County. A significant police presence usually accompanies protests in Kenya,” the embassy stated.

The advisory warned that additional demonstrations could occur on subsequent dates in Nanyuki or other urban areas and urged Americans to avoid protest sites and crowded gatherings.

It also advised citizens to monitor local media, secure vehicles while travelling, inform contacts of their whereabouts, review personal security plans, and carry valid identification documents at all times.

What happens next?

The legal challenge over the quarantine facility remains pending before the High Court, and the future of the project is still uncertain.

For now, Nanyuki remains under close security watch as residents, activists, and authorities await the court’s next directions on one of the most contentious public health and governance disputes in recent months.

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Heavy Police Presence as Anti-Ebola Protests Erupt in Nanyuki