Nanyuki anti-Ebola facility protesters cornered as police move to restore order
By Wanjira Wachira, June 9, 2026Anti-riot police officers have moved swiftly to contain protesters who gathered in Nanyuki town, protesting against the proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, leading to running battles in several sections of the busy urban centre.
The Tuesday, June 9, 2026 demonstrations, which disrupted business activities and transport, saw groups of protesters occupy major roads as police attempted to disperse the crowds and restore order.
Witnesses said the situation escalated after protesters ignored police directives to vacate key streets, forcing security officers to intervene. Some roads remained partially inaccessible for several hours as traders and motorists monitored developments from a distance.
Police officers deployed anti-riot equipment and established strategic positions around the town to prevent further movement of protesters into sensitive areas.
Security operation restores calm
As the operation intensified, anti-riot officers gradually pushed protesters away from the town centre, limiting their movements and preventing further disruptions.
Businesses that had temporarily closed their doors began reopening later in the day as the security situation improved. Public transport operators also resumed normal services after authorities declared the area safe.
Residents expressed mixed reactions to the demonstrations, with some supporting the protesters’ concerns while others called for peaceful engagement to avoid disruptions to daily activities.
By Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, security officers had largely restored calm across Nanyuki town, although patrols remained active in several locations as a precaution against renewed unrest.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement officers as efforts continued to maintain security and normalcy in the area.
19 arrested during Ebola facility protests
At least 19 protesters were arrested in the county during demonstrations opposing a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, amid rising public anger over the project’s safety and transparency.
Residents took to the streets demanding full disclosure of agreements, safety assessments, and operational protocols tied to the planned 50-bed facility, which they fear could expose the region to health risks linked to Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Police responded with tear gas as tensions escalated, with human rights groups alleging excessive force during the operation.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) confirmed the arrests and called for accountability, while urging authorities to release those detained and ensure respect for the right to protest as investigations into the clashes continue.
“The conduct of police contravenes the law. KHRC demands that police respect the right to protest, provide security for protesters, unconditionally release all those detained, and ensure that they are clearly identifiable,” the rights group said, adding that it continues to monitor and document claimed abuses to hold officers and commanders accountable.