Advocate Derrick Maingi, who is representing 31 accused persons arrested during the protests at the Nanyuki law courts/ ALICE WAITHERAOne person died and two others were wounded as mass protests in Nanyuki against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility erupted into violence, leaving 31 people facing charges in court.
The deceased, Charles Mwangi, was reportedly shot during Monday’s demonstrations, which drew thousands of residents opposed to the establishment of the isolation hub at the Laikipia Air Base.
The two injured protesters remain admitted to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The protests, which began peacefully, saw residents march to the Laikipia Air Base before returning to Nanyuki town, where confrontations with police broke out, resulting in injuries, arrests and destruction of property.
Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri said residents had made their position on the proposed facility clear and called for broader stakeholder engagement before any decision is made.
He also confirmed the death and injuries recorded during the protests, describing the developments as unfortunate.
“Anything to do with an isolation or quarantine facility in Laikipia Air Base or within the Nanyuki area, people have said they do not want it. If there are issues that require engagement, then all stakeholders must be involved,” Kamuri said.
The deputy governor commended residents for largely conducting themselves peacefully during the demonstrations and urged authorities to prioritise dialogue in resolving the standoff.
Meanwhile, activists and human rights groups condemned the use of force during the protests and called for the release of those arrested during the demonstrations.
According to John Maigua, an activist with Defenders Coalition, 31 protesters were arrested while five people sustained injuries during the unrest.
He said the organisation would support affected families and continue advocating for the rights of those injured and arrested during the demonstrations.
“We have confirmed one death, several injuries and 31 arrests. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and those still in custody because they were exercising their constitutional right to express their views,” Maigua said.
The protests also left a trail of destruction in Nanyuki town, with some demonstrators vandalising parts of the Nanyuki law courts.
Window panes were shattered, a perimeter fence brought down and several computers reportedly stolen during the chaos.
Nanyuki law courts in Laikipia county/ ALICE WAITHERABusiness activities that had been disrupted by the demonstrations resumed on Tuesday as residents assessed losses incurred during the protests, which attracted an estimated 3,000 participants.
The suspects arrested during the demonstrations were presented before a Nanyuki court and charged with unlawful obstruction of motor vehicle operations contrary to the Kenya Roads Act.
Advocate Derrick Maingi, who is representing the accused through the Sheria Mashinani Initiative, said 14 of the suspects denied the charges and were released on cash bail of Sh20,000 each, with an alternative bond of Sh50,000 and one surety.
The remaining 17 accused persons pleaded guilty and were fined Sh10,000 each or, in default, serve one month in prison.
As pressure mounted over the controversial project, opposition leaders also sustained their criticism of the proposed ebola quarantine facility and urged the government to abandon the plan.
Speaking at separate events, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua called on the government to listen to the concerns being raised by residents opposed to the project.
“Kenyans are within their rights to demonstrate and express themselves. The government must respect the will of the people,” she said.
DCP secretary general John Methu questioned the benefits Kenya would derive from hosting the facility.
“We join health professionals and Kenyans in opposing the establishment of this facility in Nanyuki or anywhere else within the country until all concerns raised by citizens are adequately addressed,” he said.
The proposed ebola quarantine facility has in recent weeks sparked heated debate among residents, political leaders and civil society groups, with opponents citing public health and safety concerns while demanding greater public participation before any decisions are implemented.
