Ebola centre? No: Protests rock Nanyuki over plans to set up isolation facility

Nanyuki town came to a standstill on Monday as hundreds of residents poured into the streets to protest the proposed establishment of a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, leading to transport disruptions, road blockades, and running battles with police. 

The demonstration had begun peacefully in the morning, with residents marching in large numbers towards Laikipia Air Base while carrying placards and chanting anti-Ebola facility slogans. 

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers manning the base were able to calmly contain and control the crowd, preventing any immediate confrontation as protesters voiced their opposition.

A military officer, on top of a tank, asked the protesters to remain peaceful and submit a written petition with their concerns that would be forwarded to their seniors in Nairobi.

However, after 1 pm, the situation in Nanyuki Town turned chaotic as demonstrators lit bonfires along major roads, blocked key transport routes, and moved through the streets carrying placards and tree branches while demanding the complete cancellation of the project. 

Businesses were forced to shut down as shops closed abruptly and streets became deserted, bringing normal activity in the town to a standstill.

Security officers moved in to disperse the crowds using tear gas as tensions escalated across several parts of the town.

The demonstrators said they were not happy with the facility, barely five kilometres from Nanyuki town. 

“The hotels, rental houses, and schools are among the ventures that will be affected and thus they need to relocate the facility to the origin of the disease,” said a resident.

“Let the Americans relocate the facility to another place as its presence in Nanyuki will spread the disease further instead of assisting to contain it.” 

Former Laikipia East MP Mutahi Kimaru castigated the government for allowing the establishment of the quarantine facility, which he said would instead spread the disease.

“Nanyuki has a population of more than 100,000 people; thus, establishing a centre will be putting the entire country at risk of the spread of Ebola,” said Mutahi.

The protests unfolded despite a High Court order that had temporarily halted plans to establish the facility pending further legal proceedings. However, residents insisted that the project should be abandoned altogether rather than merely suspended. 

At the heart of the demonstrations were fears that the proposed quarantine facility could expose local communities to serious health risks and potentially trigger an Ebola outbreak in the region. 

According to Grace Wanene, a Laikipia resident, the proposed establishment of Ebola quarantine facilities at Laikipia Air Base is a major concern for the community, which she says is already struggling with limited health infrastructure and basic services. 

She argues that introducing such a facility could expose residents to unnecessary health risks due to the close interaction between military personnel, local communities, and nearby schools. 

“I reside here in Laikipia County. I want to join my fellow Laikipians and Kenyans in rejecting the establishment of the Ebola quarantine spaces in Laikipia County at Laikipia Air Base," she said. 

She further warns that the county may not have the capacity to safely host such a high-risk facility, insisting that resources should instead be directed toward strengthening existing hospitals, improving sanitation, and addressing shortages in essential medical supplies.

According to her, conditions such as maternal healthcare and cancer treatment remain underfunded and urgently need attention. 

Another resident, Jane Putunoi, echoed the sentiments, saying there is growing concern over the proposed facilities. 

“I just want to join other leaders and residents who have come strongly to condemn and refuse, reject this issue of Ebola quarantine in our county,” she said. 

She further warned that the presence of such a facility could create widespread fear among residents, disrupt livelihoods, and discourage normal economic activities, including trade and movement within Laikipia.

Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru alleged that individuals had been brought in from outside the county to infiltrate the protests. 

Waruguru claimed that more than seven buses had ferried people from Nairobi and Kiambu to disrupt what she described as peaceful demonstrations by residents. 

"The goons have infiltrated the demonstrations. We know who sponsored them and who brought them here," she said. 

She further alleged that security officers had used live ammunition against protesters while attempting to disperse crowds, although authorities had not responded to the claims by Monday evening. 

“Even today, I see that you are hitting us with live bullets. You are shooting live bullets at us so that we don't do the demonstration and end up with Ebola. There is no death from Ebola and no death from a bullet. Death is death. Listen to our voice,” she said. 

James Wachira voiced his concern during the protests, saying: “We are not rejecting preparedness, but we are rejecting being used as the testing ground for dangerous decisions. No one has clearly explained why Laikipia was chosen, yet we are expected to carry the risk for the whole country. Ebola is a deadly disease that has the potential to harm Kenyans; hence, such decisions must be arrived at transparently. They did not even conduct public participation," he said. 

As opposition to the proposal gains momentum, Nyeri leaders have pledged to join forces with their counterparts in Laikipia to resist the establishment of the isolation centre.

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto said the protests in Nanyuki reflect genuine fears that must not be ignored by the national government. 

“If there is any disease that is feared in the whole world, it is Ebola. This disease has no cure and spreads quickly. We are wondering why America has chosen Kenya instead of taking the patients to America, where they have the resources,” he said. 

He added that Kenya should not be placed in a position where it is perceived as a destination for Ebola cases from abroad without full public understanding. 

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Maina questioned the reported lack of parliamentary oversight in the deal, warning that such agreements must follow constitutional procedures. 

“We want the Minister of Health to come out clearly and confirm whether there is any such agreement. He should tell Kenyans when it was tabled in Parliament and who approved it. Any health agreement of this magnitude must go through Parliament. It is unacceptable for decisions with national implications to be made without proper debate and approval,” he said. 

Nyeri resident Eng Wangai Ndirangu said the choice of Laikipia as the proposed site had fueled anger among residents in the region. 

“There are many areas in this country that could host such a facility if it were necessary. Singling out this region without consultation is what is causing tension.” 

He warned that continued silence from authorities could deepen resistance and prolong unrest. 

“If the government does not engage the public meaningfully, then opposition will only grow stronger in the days ahead,” he said.