Kenya High Court suspends US Ebola facility as protests escalate in Nanyuki
Demonstrators demand the removal of the planned quarantine site, citing public health risks and lack of transparency, while military aircraft continue to operate at the location despite the legal injunction.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Nanyuki, central Kenya, to protest a planned US Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia airbase. The demonstration occurred days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the project, citing public health risks and a lack of transparency. The facility was intended to house US nationals exposed to the virus, with the US government pledging $13.5 million for Kenya’s preparedness efforts. Protesters, who included local residents and military families, demanded the facility be shut down, arguing that Kenya, which has recorded no cases, should not host foreigners during an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Footage obtained by Reuters showed a crowd of about 100 people on roads leading to the Laikipia airbase blowing whistles and riding atop a pickup truck, with smoke rising from something burning on the road. Police and military presence has been increased on roads leading to the airbase. US officials stated the 50-bed unit is planned for asymptomatic US citizens exposed to the virus.
Health Minister Aden Duale stated the agreement is part of a wider push to strengthen emergency response systems and claimed the centre is intended for “everyone,” not exclusively US nationals. The site was expected to have become operational last Friday, according to US officials. Military aircraft flew in and out of Nanyuki late last week and over the weekend, appearing to be part of ongoing preparations despite the court order.
Protest organiser Patrick Wahome stated demonstrators wanted the facility shut down by Tuesday, June 9. Malin Ndegwa told the Associated Press that there should be no negotiations and the facility must be removed from Kenya. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu explicitly stated the facility would endanger the local population, noting residents work within the air base. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the $13.5 million commitment.
The legal intervention coincides with significant public unrest, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Nanyuki, central Kenya, to voice their opposition. Local governance structures have also formally resisted the plan. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has explicitly stated that the facility would endanger the local population, noting that many residents work within the air base and could be exposed to the virus. The diplomatic friction stems from a decision by US officials to establish the treatment site in Kenya rather than repatriating exposed Americans.
