Hundreds of residents in Nanyuki, central Kenya, have protested plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military base, citing fears for public safety.
The demonstrations took place on Monday near Laikipia Airbase, where U.S. officials proposed a 50-bed unit for Americans exposed to Ebola.
The plan comes amid an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which has recorded over 200 deaths.
Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases, heightening public concern over the proposal.
Protesters blocked roads leading to the base, with security forces increasing their presence around the area.
Some demonstrators burned materials on the road, while others marched and chanted against the project.
A Kenyan court had earlier halted the plan after a legal challenge over transparency and public health risks.
Residents say the facility could expose the community to infection due to close interaction between civilians and military personnel.
“Nanyuki is a very small town… if anyone is infected, we are all infected.”
“We are picketing for our lives.”
The United States says the centre is designed for exposed individuals who are not yet showing symptoms.
Washington has also pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
Kenya’s Health Ministry said the project forms part of a wider emergency response plan.
Officials added the facility is intended for broader use, not just U.S. citizens.
However, residents remain unconvinced and are demanding a complete cancellation.
“Why are they not doing it in the DRC? Why must they bring it here?”
“We want that facility taken out of our town… out of Kenya.”
The project has triggered debate over global health cooperation and the risks of hosting containment centres in unaffected regions.
As legal and public opposition continues, the future of the proposed facility is still uncertain if the governments are going ahead with it.
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