Two people were killed on Monday during violent protests in Nanyuki over a proposed U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, escalating tensions surrounding the controversial project.
The deaths were confirmed on Tuesday by protest organisers and a security source cited in international reports, although authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The exact circumstances surrounding the fatalities remain unclear.
Initial reports indicated that several protesters sustained injuries during the confrontation, raising fears that the number of casualties could rise as investigations continue.
The demonstrations began early in the morning as residents expressed strong opposition to the planned facility, citing concerns over public health risks and the location of the project near their community.
Protesters also demanded transparency on why the facility was being established in Kenya under a foreign-backed arrangement, instead of being hosted elsewhere. Many carried placards and branches as they marched through parts of the town.
According to organisers, the demonstrators were also calling for the complete cancellation of the project, setting a deadline for its closure amid growing anger.
Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to access the proposed site but were stopped by security personnel, leading to a standoff that lasted for several hours. A senior official from the air base later addressed the crowd in an attempt to calm the situation.
Videos circulating from the scene showed fires burning along roads in Nanyuki, with thick smoke rising across affected areas. Security officers were also seen responding to the unrest as the situation intensified.
Residents from nearby areas reported a heavy security presence later in the day, with officers moving through streets to restore order and disperse crowds.
By evening, authorities were reported to have brought the situation under control, though fear and uncertainty remained among residents following the violence.
The unrest comes amid ongoing legal and political debate over the proposed facility. The High Court has already issued conservatory orders temporarily halting its establishment pending the determination of a petition challenging the project.
Despite the legal pause and public opposition, the national government has continued to defend the initiative, saying it is part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks.
Officials have also maintained that the arrangement with the United States is mutually beneficial and aligned with broader health security cooperation.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a specialised Ebola response team has been deployed to Kenya to support monitoring and preparedness efforts, particularly for returning citizens from affected regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As investigations continue, the deadly protests in Nanyuki have further intensified scrutiny of the proposed facility and raised fresh questions over public participation, security, and health policy decisions.
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