Hundreds of residents took to the streets of Nanyuki, Kenya, on Monday to protest plans by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military air base in the town, despite a recent court order temporarily suspending the project.
The proposed 50-bed facility, located at an air force base in Laikipia County, is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola but are not showing symptoms. However, concerns over public health and safety have sparked strong opposition among local residents.
On Friday, Kenya’s High Court ordered a temporary halt to the project after a lawsuit challenged its potential health risks. Nevertheless, military aircraft continued operating in and out of Nanyuki over the weekend, raising concerns among residents that preparations for the facility were still ongoing.
Protesters gathered near the proposed site, blowing whistles and staging demonstrations along major roads. Some roads were partially blocked, with smoke seen rising from burning objects. Local media reported that demonstrators also assembled outside the air base, where security personnel and military equipment were visible.
Patrick Wahome, one of the protest organisers, said residents fear the facility could expose the wider community to infection due to the close interaction between military personnel and civilians.
“Nanyuki is a small town. Military officers live among us, and our children attend the same schools. If anyone becomes infected, the entire community could be at risk,” he said.
Another resident, café owner Patrick Maina, said the unrest had already begun affecting local businesses, forcing many shops to remain closed during the demonstrations.
While Kenyan and US officials insist the facility is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities, residents continue to demand its permanent cancellation. Protest organisers have given authorities until June 9 to abandon the project entirely.
The dispute has intensified debate over balancing public health preparedness with community concerns, as Nanyuki residents remain wary of hosting an Ebola-related quarantine centre in their town.
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