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Nanyuki Protests Turn Deadly as Two Killed in Anti-Ebola Facility Demonstrations

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Nanyuki Protests Turn Deadly as Two Killed in Anti-Ebola Facility Demonstrations

Violence erupts after residents clash with security officers over proposed U.S.-backed quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base

![Two Protesters Killed in Nanyuki Standoff Over Laikipia Ebola Facility](/media/9250){align=center} At least two people were killed during protests in Nanyuki on Monday, June 1, as residents demonstrated against plans to establish a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base. The deaths were confirmed on Tuesday by protest organiser Patrick Wahome and a security source, following a day of unrest that saw hundreds of residents take to the streets demanding the cancellation of the controversial project. The circumstances surrounding the fatalities remain unclear, and the National Police Service had not issued an official statement by the time of publication. Earlier reports had indicated that at least two protesters suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations, raising fears that casualties could increase. The protests began early Monday morning, with residents expressing concerns over the potential health risks posed by the proposed facility and questioning why Kenya should host a centre intended to manage Ebola-related cases. Demonstrators carried placards and leaves while chanting slogans rejecting the project and calling for its immediate cancellation. According to organisers, protesters demanded that all plans related to the facility be abandoned by June 9. Tensions escalated when sections of the crowd attempted to approach the air base but were blocked by military personnel guarding the installation. The resulting standoff lasted nearly two hours before a senior official from the facility reportedly addressed the protesters and appealed for calm. Despite the intervention, demonstrations continued across parts of Nanyuki town. Videos circulating online showed burning barricades on several roads, with thick plumes of smoke rising above the town. Security officers were also seen responding to the unrest as authorities struggled to restore order. Residents of the Likii area reported that police later intensified patrols and cleared major roads before escorting people back to their homes in the evening. The deadly protests come amid growing public opposition to the proposed Ebola facility and ongoing legal battles over the project. On Tuesday, the High Court extended conservatory orders halting the establishment of the facility pending the hearing of a petition filed by Katiba Institute. Despite the court orders and mounting resistance, President William Ruto has defended the initiative, arguing that it would strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks and deepen health cooperation with the United States. The project has nevertheless continued to spark fierce debate over public health, national sovereignty, and community safety.

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Nanyuki Protests Turn Deadly as Two Killed in Anti-Ebola Facility Demonstrations
Violence erupts after residents clash with security officers over proposed U.S.-backed quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base
![HJwLKD-XAAAGzs4](/media/9249) At least two people were killed during protests in Nanyuki on Monday, June 1, as residents demonstrated against plans to establish a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base. The deaths were confirmed on Tuesday by protest organiser Patrick Wahome and a security source, following a day of unrest that saw hundreds of residents take to the streets demanding the cancellation of the controversial project. The circumstances surrounding the fatalities remain unclear, and the National Police Service had not issued an official statement by the time of publication. Earlier reports had indicated that at least two protesters suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations, raising fears that casualties could increase. The protests began early Monday morning, with residents expressing concerns over the potential health risks posed by the proposed facility and questioning why Kenya should host a centre intended to manage Ebola-related cases. Demonstrators carried placards and leaves while chanting slogans rejecting the project and calling for its immediate cancellation. According to organisers, protesters demanded that all plans related to the facility be abandoned by June 9. Tensions escalated when sections of the crowd attempted to approach the air base but were blocked by military personnel guarding the installation. The resulting standoff lasted nearly two hours before a senior official from the facility reportedly addressed the protesters and appealed for calm. Despite the intervention, demonstrations continued across parts of Nanyuki town. Videos circulating online showed burning barricades on several roads, with thick plumes of smoke rising above the town. Security officers were also seen responding to the unrest as authorities struggled to restore order. Residents of the Likii area reported that police later intensified patrols and cleared major roads before escorting people back to their homes in the evening. The deadly protests come amid growing public opposition to the proposed Ebola facility and ongoing legal battles over the project. On Tuesday, the High Court extended conservatory orders halting the establishment of the facility pending the hearing of a petition filed by Katiba Institute. Despite the court orders and mounting resistance, President William Ruto has defended the initiative, arguing that it would strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks and deepen health cooperation with the United States. The project has nevertheless continued to spark fierce debate over public health, national sovereignty, and community safety.