Activists rally support for looming Nanyuki demonstrations against Ebola centre

A large turnout is expected at a planned protest in Nanyuki on June 25, despite calls by some political leaders for Kenyans to stay away from the demonstrations.

Organisers say the protest will be held peacefully to oppose the construction of a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, a project that has sparked controversy among residents and healthcare workers in the region.

The planned 50-bed facility was intended to accommodate United States nationals exposed to Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

While Kenya has not recorded any Ebola infections, critics of the project argue that it could expose local communities to unnecessary health risks.

The project has also drawn criticism over what opponents describe as a lack of public participation and transparency in its implementation.

The Kenyan government reportedly received approximately $13 million (Ksh.1.7 billion) from the United States to support Ebola preparedness efforts.

The dispute escalated this week after the High Court found Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in contempt of court for allegedly proceeding with construction despite orders issued in late May and early June halting the project.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande directed Duale to appear in court for mitigation and sentencing. Under Kenyan law, contempt of court carries a penalty of up to Ksh.200,000 or a jail term of up to six months.

The case was filed by the Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which argued that the facility was being developed without adequate public participation. The petitioners also raised concerns about the country's capacity to safely manage foreign Ebola patients.

Despite the court orders, Duale had earlier told Parliament that the government would continue with the project.

President William Ruto has defended the facility, saying it forms part of a broader preparedness strategy. According to the President, the centre is one of 24 facilities intended to strengthen Kenya's response to potential Ebola outbreaks.

Organisers of the June 25 demonstrations say the event will also honour 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u, who died during an earlier protest against the facility on June 9.

Witnesses alleged that the teenager was shot in the head during clashes that erupted in Nanyuki.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) accused police of using excessive force, including live ammunition and arbitrary arrests during the demonstrations.

Police said investigations into the incident were underway and that the cause of death would be confirmed through a post-mortem examination. However, no official findings have been released to date.

In recent days, activists and residents have used social media platforms to mobilise support for the June 25 protest, which is scheduled to take place at Nanyuki Central Park from noon.

The planned demonstrations come days after leaders allied to ODM and UDA urged Kenyans to avoid street protests, arguing that national issues should be resolved through dialogue.

Organisers, however, maintain that the demonstrations are a lawful and peaceful avenue for residents to express concerns over the proposed facility and the death of the teenager.