The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the arrest of 19 protesters during demonstrations in Nanyuki against the proposed U.S-backed Ebola isolation facility, accusing police officers of using excessive force and violating constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, the rights lobby group claimed that hooded police officers deployed in Laikipia County fired live ammunition and detained demonstrators who had taken to the streets to demand transparency over the project.
“Hooded police officers deployed in Nanyuki, Laikipia, fired live bullets and arbitrarily arrested 19 protesters as of 11 am today,” KHRC said.
According to the commission, residents were protesting to demand disclosure of agreements, negotiations, safety assessments, approvals and operational procedures related to the proposed Ebola facility.
“Residents took to the streets, demanding that William Ruto’s regime disclose agreements, negotiations, safety checks, approvals, and operational protocols related to a U.S.-linked Ebola facility that it said will be established in the county,” the statement read.
KHRC further said protesters were seeking assurances on public health and safety amid concerns surrounding the planned facility.
The commission stated that it had verified reports and reviewed video footage allegedly showing police officers moving through the area on motorcycles and in unmarked vehicles while dispersing protesters.
“KHRC has verified reports and reviewed videos showing police moving through the area on motorbikes and in white Land Cruisers and Subarus with removed or concealed license plates, as officers attacked protesters and journalists,” it said.
The human rights body termed the alleged officers’ conduct unlawful and called for the immediate release of those arrested.
“The conduct of police contravenes the law. KHRC demands that police respect the right to protest, provide security for protesters, unconditionally release all those detained, and ensure that they are clearly identifiable,” the commission stated.
KHRC said it would continue monitoring developments in Nanyuki and documenting alleged violations with the aim of holding individual officers and their commanders accountable.
The protests erupted amid growing opposition to the proposed 50-bed Ebola isolation centre intended for American nationals exposed to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Demonstrators argue the facility poses potential public health risks, while authorities maintain it is a preparedness measure aimed at strengthening emergency response capacity.
