Police on Tuesday fired tear gas and arrested several protesters opposing the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.
The demonstrators accused both the Kenyan and United States governments of ignoring court directives and public concerns by continuing with the controversial project.
Witnesses reported that six people were arrested after police dispersed groups of protesters who had gathered near the proposed facility.
The planned 50-bed quarantine centre is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus while in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
However, residents and local leaders have raised concerns about public health risks, the possible impact on tourism, and the facility’s proximity to schools located within the military base.
The protests come just days after deadly clashes linked to the project were reported in the area.
Meanwhile, the Laikipia County Government has challenged the project in court, arguing that it was not adequately consulted despite its responsibility for public health and emergency preparedness. The matter is expected back in court on June 23.
