Tension gripped Nanyuki town after residents staged large-scale protests opposing plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in the area, triggering a major public health and political standoff.
The demonstrations, which saw hundreds of residents pour into the streets, disrupted transport and forced businesses to shut down as fears spread across the town.
Protesters expressed concern over safety risks, arguing that the proposed facility could expose the local population to a deadly virus.
Witnesses reported running battles between demonstrators and security forces, with police and military officers deployed to restore order.
The clashes escalated throughout the day, highlighting the growing mistrust between residents and authorities over the project.
The government has, however, maintained that the facility is safe and that all procedures surrounding its establishment meet international health standards.
Officials insist that the quarantine centre is a precautionary measure aimed at strengthening Kenya’s preparedness against potential Ebola outbreaks, particularly given regional health threats.
Despite these assurances, opposition to the plan appears to be intensifying. Local leaders and civil society groups have questioned the decision-making process, calling for greater public participation and transparency.
Some leaders accused authorities of failing to adequately consult the community before initiating the project.
Health experts warn that misinformation and fear could undermine critical public health interventions.
They emphasize the importance of sensitising communities on how quarantine facilities operate, noting that such centres are designed to contain, not spread, infectious diseases.
The unfolding situation in Nanyuki is quickly evolving into a broader national debate, touching on governance, public trust, and emergency preparedness.