Hundreds of residents in Nanyuki staged protests on Monday, June 1, opposing plans to establish a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in the area, citing fears over public safety and potential health risks.
The demonstrations saw large crowds march through sections of the town carrying placards, waving leaves and chanting slogans against the proposed facility. Protesters expressed concern that hosting an Ebola-related quarantine centre could expose the local community to unnecessary danger.
The residents argued that the facility could increase anxiety among locals and negatively affect the region’s image, despite assurances that quarantine centres are designed to manage health risks under controlled conditions.
Videos circulating online showed large groups of demonstrators occupying major roads within the town, temporarily disrupting transport and business activities. The crowds called on the government to abandon the plans and consider alternative locations.
Several protesters insisted that they did not want the facility established in Nanyuki, saying public concerns should be taken seriously before any major health-related project is implemented.
“We do not want the Ebola facility here,” one protester was heard saying during the demonstrations, while others repeatedly chanted slogans rejecting the proposal.
The protests come amid heightened public debate surrounding reports of a planned Ebola-related facility and concerns about how such a project could affect surrounding communities.
As the demonstrations intensified, police officers were deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and ensure public order. Witnesses reported running battles between some protesters and law enforcement officers as authorities attempted to clear blocked roads and disperse crowds.
The situation led to temporary disruption of normal activities in parts of the town, with some businesses slowing operations as the protests unfolded.
Residents participating in the demonstrations maintained that their actions were aimed at drawing attention to their concerns and ensuring community voices are heard before any decisions are made.
The protests underscore the sensitivity surrounding public health projects, particularly those linked to highly infectious diseases such as Ebola. They also highlight the growing demand for public participation and consultation whenever major projects with potential community impact are proposed.
By Monday afternoon, security officers remained on the ground monitoring the situation as efforts continued to restore normalcy.
The developments place Nanyuki at the centre of a national conversation on public health preparedness, community engagement and the management of sensitive health-related initiatives.
