Tension gripped Nanyuki town as residents took to the streets to protest against the planned establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility within the Laikipia Air Base. The demonstrators marched through the town before being stopped by security officers near the military installation.
Hundreds of residents and youth groups marched through major streets of Nanyuki town carrying placards and chanting slogans opposing the construction of the Ebola quarantine centre.
The protesters expressed fears over the potential health risks associated with hosting the facility in the area, insisting that the project should be relocated elsewhere.
The demonstrators later proceeded towards the Laikipia Air Base, where they encountered a security blockade mounted by Military officers and other security personnel.
The officers prevented the crowd from advancing further towards the military facility, leading to a tense standoff as protesters demanded to be allowed through.
The protests come amid growing opposition from sections of Laikipia residents who have consistently rejected plans to establish the Ebola quarantine centre at the air base.
Authorities have maintained that the facility is intended to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity in the event of a disease outbreak.
As the standoff continued near the air base, residents vowed to sustain pressure on the government until their concerns are addressed and the project is halted.