Nanyuki residents protest US-backed Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base, police use teargas
via Tuko2 min read
Fresh protests erupted in Nanyuki as residents opposed a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. Police deployed heavily, using teargas to disperse demonstrators, and businesses in the town were shut. This project has been a source of tension since earlier protests this month, which resulted in two deaths and numerous arrests. The proposed 50-bed facility, costing approximately KSh 1.68 billion, is intended to isolate American citizens exposed to Ebola in Africa, following outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Public anger escalated after claims that US military aircraft landed at the air base despite a court order temporarily halting the project. On May 29, the High Court suspended the facility pending a full hearing and directed the government to release related documents. The US Embassy in Nairobi issued a security advisory for American citizens in Laikipia, warning of planned protests in Nanyuki and potential additional demonstrations.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Migori governor Ochilo Ayacko has drawn criticism for a public statement expressing sadness over the murder conviction of his predecessor, former Migori governor Okoth Obado, without acknowledging the victim's family. Ayacko posted on Facebook on Thursday, July 23, the same day the High Court found Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori county clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of masterminding the 2018 killing of university student Sharon Otieno. In his statement, Ayacko described Obado's conviction as "a painful moment for all of us" and extended his "thoughts and prayers" to the families of the three convicted men, praying for their "strength, grace and courage." He made no mention of Sharon Otieno or her family. Kenyans online reacted negatively, questioning why the governor focused solely on the convicted men's families. Commenters highlighted Ayacko's profession as a lawyer when challenging his statement's tone. Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that Obado masterminded the murder by providing motive, planning, and financing. The court found that all three accused acted with common intention in planning, executing, and concealing the killing. Following the verdict, the court cancelled their bond terms and ordered their remand pending sentencing, with pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports to be prepared within 21 days.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI have dismantled two suspected sexual exploitation operations in Kiserian and Ongata Rongai, rescuing a total of 48 women. In Ongata Rongai's Rimpa area, officers raided a house and found 30 women, aged 19 to 27, allegedly involved in producing obscene content. Seven laptops with cameras and other production equipment were recovered, and the suspects were taken to Ongata Rongai Police Station. In a separate operation in Kiserian, 18 women were rescued after being lured with false promises of domestic work and then allegedly forced into sexual exploitation. Mobile phones and laptops were seized as exhibits, though a key suspect in the Kiserian case remains at large. The DCI confirmed that the rescued women will receive comprehensive support services, including psychosocial counseling and medical care, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing a surge in arrivals, with Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reporting strong numbers across major entry points. Mombasa alone welcomed over 20,000 visitors in one week. This increase comes days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advised tourists and foreign investors to avoid Kenya, citing claims of rising lawlessness. Miano stated that these figures demonstrate continued confidence in "Magical Kenya" and provide a significant boost to the local hotel industry, coastal excursions, and regional businesses. She highlighted that the numbers, including domestic, regional, transit, and international travelers, indicate Kenya's growing global appeal and the strength of its tourism trade ahead of the peak season. Miano also promoted Kenya's diverse attractions, from Nairobi's urban safari to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley lakes, and Lake Victoria's Western Circuit, encouraging visitors to explore local cuisine, historic architecture, music, art, and cultural traditions. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting communities reliant on tourism.