Two people have been reported dead following protests in Nanyuki over plans to establish a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base.
The deaths were confirmed on Tuesday by protest organiser Patrick Wahome and a security source quoted by Reuters. However, the exact circumstances under which the two lost their lives remain unclear.
By the time of publication, the National Police Service (NPS) had not released an official statement on the incident.
The protests erupted on Monday morning as residents staged demonstrations against the construction of the new center since it might be harmful to the nearby population. Besides, they wondered why the center was to be established in Kenya rather than in the United States.
Hundreds of locals organized marches in some areas of Nanyuki town waving banners and wielding tree branches. Chants protesting against the construction of the new center could be heard among crowds of demonstrators.
An even more dangerous situation occurred when the demonstrators tried to access the air base but were not allowed inside by the military personnel manning the site. It resulted in an incident which lasted for two hours until one of the officials from the military facility came out and called for calm.
Videos posted online showed barricaded roads with burning barricades and thick smoke coming out of them in the town center as well as security forces taking action amid ongoing protests.
According to residents of Likii sub-location, law enforcement later arrived at the scene and cleared the streets, leading locals back home amidst tension.
The new development comes amid rising opposition against the construction of the alleged Ebola center. In addition, the High Court has issued orders to restrain the proposed plan from advancing until the petition lodged by Katiba Institute has been ruled upon.
Although the case and demonstrations are still ongoing, President William Ruto has defended his position on the matter, stating that the plan will bolster the country’s readiness in case an Ebola outbreak arises in the future.
There have been mixed reactions towards the facility that is planned for construction, with many arguing over its merits and demerits.
