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Laikipia residents protest against US Ebola quarantine facility
A demonstrator jumps over a barricade of burning tyres during a protest against a US-backed Ebola quarantine plan to establish a 50-bed facility at a Kenyan air force base, to host Americans exposed to Ebola in Nanyuki town, Laikipia County on June 1, 2026.
Hundreds of Laikipia residents brought Nanyuki Town to a standstill on Monday as protests against the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Laikipia Air Base escalated into clashes with police, forcing businesses to shut down.
News of the facility being set up in Laikipia also triggered cancellations across the hospitality sector.
The protests began at around 9.00am outside Quickmart Supermarket in Nanyuki, where Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli urged protesters to remain peaceful as they marched through the town.
The demonstrators later proceeded to the Laikipia Air Base, where a KDF officer assured them that their concerns had been noted and would be communicated to the relevant authorities.
However, the assurances did little to calm residents, many of whom said they had not been consulted before the facility was established. John Mwangi, a resident, said he joined the protests because the government had failed to conduct public participation before setting up the facility.
Demonstrators gather near a barricade they created during a protest against a US-backed Ebola quarantine plan to establish a 50-bed facility at a Kenyan air force base, to host Americans exposed to Ebola in Nanyuki town, Laikipia County on June 1, 2026.
"I started hearing about Ebola during President Daniel Moi's reign, but I never thought it would be brought into our country. I feel that our leaders have let us down. I have watched this camp being built since I was a young boy and we have never had such panic about a military camp before," he said.
Some residents expressed fears that KDF officers stationed at the base live with their families in the barracks and frequently interact with the local community, raising concerns about possible exposure.
Running battles
After leaving the air base, protesters marched back to Nanyuki town, where they lit tyres and blocked major roads leading into the town, prompting a confrontation with police.
Running battles between demonstrators and police paralysed transport and business activities as security officers lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds.
Joseph Kamau, a trader, said he was assaulted by police despite not taking part in the demonstrations.
The unrest also dealt a blow to Nanyuki's tourism-dependent economy at the start of what is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for the hospitality industry.
Ms Linnet Wairimu, the founder of Nimmoh Homestays, said that news of the quarantine facility prompted an immediate wave of booking cancellations.
"From June onwards, we usually enter our peak tourism season, especially for international visitors. We were optimistic after a difficult period, but now all my 100 units are empty," she said, adding that guests began cancelling their reservations as soon as news of the facility being set up in Nanyuki broke.
Doctors at an Ebola isolation centre. The current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola strain.
"This weekend we were a bit busy, but from Sunday evening nobody wanted to remain in Nanyuki. Visitors started checking out despite it being a Madaraka Day weekend. Some left in panic," she said.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Laikipia chairman Ndegwa Gitonga said the business community had suffered losses during the protests but maintained that residents had legitimate concerns.
"I joined the protests because, as a community, we would rather have our voices heard than risk having an Ebola case brought into our town," he said.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru questioned the government's preparedness to handle a potential Ebola outbreak, citing challenges facing the country's healthcare system.
"Currently, SHA is not working effectively and many people cannot access even basic vaccines. How then will the government deal with Ebola, which is an international disaster? The President has let us down and the responsible ministry should move swiftly to address this issue," she said.
By evening, businesses remained closed in several parts of Nanyuki while public service vehicles stayed off the roads. Although police maintained a heavy presence across the town, residents vowed to continue demanding answers over the establishment of the facility, with reports indicating that further demonstrations could be held on Tuesday.
The protests came as Sheria Mashinani, a local community organization, sought to be enjoined in the suit seeking to stop the establishment of the quarantine facility.
Speaking to Nation, lawyer Derrick Maingi, said that they had collected views and opinions from locals which they planned to present before the Milimani High court.
In Embu County, governor Cicily Mbarire told the government to consider the views of Kenyans before setting up the quarantine centre in Kenya.
“Kenyans are worried and the government should not hasten constructing the ebola quarantine facility in the country,” she said.
The Governor said proper assessment should be done and views of Kenyans taken into consideration before the facility is put up in Kenya.
Ruguru-Ngandori MCA, Mr Muturi Mwombo said he was opposed to the idea of setting up the facility in Laikipia.
“As leaders we should all join hands and reject the proposed Ebola facility,” said Mr Mwombo.
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Additional reporting by George Munene
