ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa is deeply concerned by reports that, over the past two weeks, three people have been killed, at least 50 arrested, and several others injured during protests in Nanyuki, Laikipia County against a proposed United States-funded Ebola quarantine facility. We are further concerned by allegations that law enforcement officers used live ammunition against demonstrators, as well as ongoing reports that preparations for the facility continue despite a court order temporarily suspending its implementation and directing full disclosure of relevant agreements.
On 1 June 2026, protests emerged amid growing public concern over plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military installation in Nanyuki intended to receive United States citizens exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The proposal has generated significant public debate regarding public health risks, transparency, accountability, and Kenya’s obligations under bilateral agreements with foreign governments.
In response, the High Court recently extended orders suspending the project and directed the Government of Kenya to disclose all agreements, operational protocols, and related documentation within seven days, underscoring the importance of transparency and judicial oversight in matters of significant public interest. The Court further prohibited any steps towards constructing or operationalising the facility pending the determination of the case.
ARTICLE 19 is particularly concerned by reports that demonstrations were met with excessive use of force, including allegations of live ammunition being used against protesters, leading to the death of at least two people during the first round of protests on 1 June. On 9 June, another round of protests was called by locals, and reports indicate that another person was killed, several others injured and at least 50 people arrested. Any loss of life in the context of public assemblies requires urgent, independent, and transparent investigation. International human rights standards are clear that law enforcement officials must always prioritise non-violent means of crowd management and that any use of force must be lawful, necessary, and strictly proportionate.
The protests reflect broader concerns regarding the handling of public health preparedness measures and the manner in which decisions affecting communities are communicated and implemented. ARTICLE 19 notes that effective public health responses depend not only on technical capacity, but also on transparency, trust, and meaningful public participation.
In this regard, restrictions on access to information and inadequate disclosure of government decisions can undermine public confidence and contribute to fear, misinformation, and social tension. The situation surrounding the proposed Ebola facility underscores the critical importance of ensuring that communities are provided with timely, accurate, and accessible information on matters that directly affect their health, safety, and livelihoods.
Public health emergencies and preparedness measures must never be used as a justification for secrecy or the suppression of legitimate public concern. Rather, they require strengthened transparency, proactive disclosure of information, and open engagement with affected communities. As experience from past public health crises has shown, providing timely and reliable information is essential to building trust and reducing the risk of misunderstanding and conflict.
The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to information are protected under Articles 33, 35, and 37 of the Constitution of Kenya and reinforced by international and regional human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These protections require authorities not only to refrain from undue interference, but also to facilitate peaceful assemblies and ensure accountability where rights violations occur.
In light of these developments, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa calls on the Government of Kenya and the National Police Service to:
- Conduct prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into the reported killings, injuries, and use of force during the protests;
- Ensure accountability for any law enforcement officers found responsible for unlawful or excessive use of force;
- Fully comply with court orders, including the suspension of activities and disclosure of all agreements and operational arrangements related to the proposed facility;
- Respect, protect, and facilitate the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and access to information;
- Ensure meaningful public participation and engagement in decisions that affect public health and community welfare.
At a time of heightened public concern and scrutiny, the Kenyan authorities should prioritise transparency, dialogue, and accountability over coercion. The response to public protest must not be repression, but respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law.