Thirty-one protesters arrested during Monday’s demonstrations (1st June) against the proposed US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia have been released after appearing in court, with human rights defenders stepping in to pay their bail.

The protesters, who were held at Nanyuki Prison, faced charges of unlawfully obstructing roads by blocking them with stones, logs, and burning tyres, actions the court noted disrupted traffic and endangered other road users.

Seventeen of the accused pleaded guilty and were each fined Ksh 10,000 or handed a one-month jail term in default.

The remaining 14 denied the charges and were released on Ksh 20,000 cash bail or a Ksh 50,000 bond with one surety, with their case set to proceed.

The arrests were made on June 1, 2026, during protests against the planned establishment of a quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which the US government has proposed as part of a bilateral Ebola preparedness arrangement with Kenya.

The facility has sparked significant public opposition, with demonstrators arguing that Kenya should not be used to house individuals exposed to one of the world’s deadliest viruses.

The protesters have shown no signs of backing down, vowing to continue their resistance and calling on supporters to return to the streets.