By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 04, 2026 - Heavy aircraft roar across the skies above Nanyuki while construction activity around the heavily guarded Laikipia Air Base has fuelled fresh fears among residents that the government is pressing ahead with plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and isolation facility despite public opposition and an ongoing court case.
Residents say large aircraft have been making frequent landings and take-offs at the military installation, while increased activity around the base points to preparations for the controversial project that has sharply divided opinion in the region.
The developments have heightened tensions in the fast-growing tourism and investment hub, with residents now planning a major protest march next Tuesday to demand that the government abandon the facility.
"We have seen huge aircraft fly past our town to the Air Base. We know for sure that activities are going on to prepare the quarantine and isolation centre. But did the government consult us? Enough is enough. We are not going to allow that facility to be set up here. We are the people," said Grace Wanene, a resident.
The planned demonstrations come barely a week after deadly protests in Nanyuki in which two people were killed and several others injured during confrontations between protesters and security officers.
Residents say next week's demonstrations will be bigger and aimed at forcing the government to reconsider its position.
"We have the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale saying that we, the people, do not need to be consulted while they are bringing American Ebola patients into our country," said Marlin Ndegwa.
"Tuesday next week is the day of reckoning. We will protest until the government understands that it is crucial to listen to the people. This is not a protest for young people alone. It is for every Kenyan opposed to this forceful establishment of an Ebola centre in Laikipia."
Lawyer Derrick Maingi has vowed to institute contempt of court proceedings, arguing that any ongoing construction or preparations at the facility could violate orders issued by the High Court suspending the project pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging its establishment.
"I am appealing to anyone to avail photos and videos of the ongoing activities at the base with a view of filing contempt proceedings against this government. This is unacceptable and we will not allow it," Maingi said.
Even as opposition intensifies, the government has signalled that it has no intention of backing down.
Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale insisted that the State does not require public participation to establish emergency quarantine facilities and would proceed with the project.
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"Under the Public Health Act, we don't need to do public participation. We are not going to consult citizens. This epidemic does not require any consultation," Duale told lawmakers.
The CS said the government has a constitutional and moral duty to protect the country from infectious diseases and warned that failure to prepare for a possible Ebola outbreak would expose millions of Kenyans to danger.
"Tomorrow, God forbid, if Ebola is found here in the country, this House will call me back here to ask why Kenyans are dying. Before Kenyans die, before Kenyans are infected, we as a government have the moral and constitutional responsibility to protect both Kenyans and other people who live within our borders or transit through our country," he said.
Duale was unequivocal that the project would proceed.
"On Laikipia Air Base, it is one of the 23 quarantine isolation centres we are building, and we will not stop it," he declared.
His remarks drew support from Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei, who said Ebola posed an extraordinary threat that could even justify the declaration of a State of Emergency.
"This is a highly infectious disease. In fact, it can even warrant calling of a State of Emergency," Shollei said.
But opposition lawmakers questioned the government's decision, with some demanding assurances that Kenya would not surrender control of the facility to foreign governments or use it to admit foreign patients at the expense of public confidence.
As political pressure mounts and fresh protests loom, Nanyuki is fast becoming the focal point of one of the country's most contentious public health debates, with the government determined to proceed and residents equally determined to stop it.