Seventeen of the 31 protesters arrested during Monday’s anti-Ebola facility demonstrations in Nanyuki have threatened to resume protests on Tuesday unless plans to establish the proposed Ebola quarantine facility are abandoned.
According to reports, the protesters were released on a cash bail of KSh10,000 each after being charged with unlawfully obstructing motor vehicles.
The demonstrations, which began peacefully, saw residents march to the Laikipia Air Base before returning to Nanyuki town, where they later clashed with police officers.
Following the unrest, Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri called for wider public consultation before any decision is made regarding the proposed facility.
“Anything to do with an isolation or quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base or within the Nanyuki area, people have said they do not want it. If there are issues that require engagement, then all stakeholders must be involved,” Kamuri stated.
This followed earlier reports of U.S. plans to establish an Ebola quarantine base in Kenya.
The plans also reportedly included provisions to transport Americans in the region to the facility whenever necessary, including by aircraft.
According to Reuters, a block of land measuring approximately 0.046 square kilometres (about 11 acres) within the Laikipia Air Base has been cleared since May 27.
By June 4, a cluster of white tents had already been erected within the cleared area, with vehicles seen moving inside the site.
An eyewitness also reported seeing flights landing at the airbase on Thursday, carrying personnel and heavy equipment.
At least two people were killed earlier in the week during the initial disturbances.
Following a court order suspending the establishment of the Ebola facility, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi stated that it continues to engage with the Kenyan government in an effort to address any concerns and resolve objections surrounding the project.