By Bonface Mulyungi

Tension gripped Nanyuki town on Monday as hundreds of residents took to the streets to protest against the planned establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility within the Laikipia Air Base, with demonstrators being stopped by security officers before reaching the military installation.

Hundreds of residents and youth groups marched through the town’s major streets on June 1, carrying placards and chanting slogans opposing the construction of the facility, citing fears over potential health risks associated with hosting such a centre in their neighbourhood.

The protesters, who have been vocal in their opposition to the project, demanded that the government relocate the facility elsewhere, insisting that Laikipia was not a suitable location for an Ebola quarantine centre.

The march took a tense turn as demonstrators proceeded towards the Laikipia Air Base, where they were met by a security blockade mounted by military officers and other security personnel, who barred them from advancing further towards the facility.

The move triggered a tense standoff between the protesters and security officers, with the crowd demanding to be allowed through to deliver their message directly to those in charge of the installation.

Authorities have maintained that the quarantine facility is part of the country’s broader disease preparedness and response strategy, designed to bolster Kenya’s capacity to contain potential outbreaks before they spread.

However, residents remain unconvinced, with many arguing that the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits of hosting the facility within their community.