**Title: Kenya’s Police Crack Down on Protest Against US Ebola Centre in Nanyuki**
**Nanyuki, Kenya – June 9, 2026** – A significant protest erupted in Nanyuki, Kenya, on Tuesday, as hundreds of residents demonstrated against the establishment of a proposed Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base. The demonstration turned violent, with police deploying gunfire, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Protesters responded by lighting fires and throwing stones at law enforcement officers.
The proposed quarantine facility, intended to house US citizens who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, has sparked widespread anger among local residents. Many Kenyans are concerned that the establishment of such a centre could pose a risk to public health, particularly since the country has never recorded a case of Ebola.
The quarantine centre is designed to include 50 isolation beds and is staffed by US personnel. Despite a temporary halt order issued by Kenya’s High Court and vocal opposition from local politicians, construction of the facility has continued. The Kenyan government, led by President William Ruto, has expressed its commitment to the project, citing a longstanding relationship with the United States and the financial and technical support it has received over the years.
The US government has pledged $13.5 million to bolster Kenya’s preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks, a commitment that has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Many residents view the quarantine centre as an unnecessary risk, arguing that it shifts the burden of managing the Ebola threat onto Kenya.
During the protests, demonstrators carried a mock coffin and chanted slogans against the proposed facility, illustrating their deep-seated fears about the implications of bringing potential Ebola carriers into the country. The unrest culminated in clashes with police, resulting in several arrests.
As the situation unfolded, images captured by reporters showed police officers taking cover from projectiles thrown by protesters, while others were seen using tear gas to control the crowd. The protests have drawn attention to the broader issues of public health policy and international cooperation in managing infectious diseases.
The Kenyan government’s decision to proceed with the quarantine centre has raised questions about the balance between international obligations and the safety of its citizens. Local leaders have called for a reassessment of the project, emphasizing the need for community input and transparency in discussions regarding public health initiatives.
As tensions remain high in Nanyuki, the future of the proposed Ebola quarantine centre hangs in the balance, with ongoing protests likely to influence the government's approach to the project.