Kenya: Police Disperse Nanyuki Protests Over US Ebola Facility

Kenyan police fired tear gas and detained protesters in Nanyuki on 9 June 2026, as demonstrations against a proposed U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility entered their ninth consecutive day. Al Jazeera reported the latest clashes near Laikipia Air Base, where construction of a 50-bed unit had been under way before a court order halted it earlier this week.

The protests began on 1 June when residents of Nanyuki and Laikipia County came out in large numbers to oppose the facility. The unit is designated to house Americans who have been exposed to the Ebola virus but remain asymptomatic, following the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Demonstrators and local politicians have accused Washington of transferring health risks onto Kenya without adequate consultation or public consent.

At least two people were killed and several others injured when earlier demonstrations turned violent. Kenya’s High Court upheld a temporary halt order and directed the government to cease all building and operations at the base, with the next hearing scheduled for 23 June 2026.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has issued repeated demonstration alerts, advising citizens to avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media for road conditions before travelling, keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed, and notify friends and family of their whereabouts. Similar protests have been threatened in Nairobi and other urban centres, though the capital continues to operate normally at time of publication.

Road access to Laikipia Air Base and surrounding areas of Nanyuki town may be restricted or disrupted. If you are travelling to the Mount Kenya region, Laikipia, or visiting local conservancies near Nanyuki, we strongly advise checking local news before setting out and avoiding any active demonstration sites. Our is Kenya safe guide has current safety guidance and official advisory links. Visitors new to the country should also review our first-time Kenya guide for broader entry requirements and travel tips. This is an active and developing situation.