NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - On Monday, a large protest involving hundreds of youths took place in Nanyuki, a central town in Kenya. The demonstrators expressed their opposition to the establishment of an Ebola quarantine center at the Laikipia Air Base, which is intended for American citizens exposed to the virus.

This protest follow a recent ruling from Kenya's High Court, which suspended the creation of the facility and the admission of any foreign patients. The court's decision responds to a lawsuit filed by the Law Society of Kenya, alongside a constitutional watchdog. These organizations have raised concerns about the nation's fragile health care system, arguing that it would be ill-equipped to handle foreign Ebola patients.

U.S. officials disclosed that the American government planned to send citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola overseas to a new quarantine facility in Kenya, instead of repatriating them to the United States. According to unnamed officials, this facility is set to be at Laikipia Air Base and aims to be operational with 50 beds for quarantine purposes by the end of the week.

During the protest, which saw a significant turnout, demonstrators marched towards the gates of the air base while chanting slogans against the health risks posed by Ebola. The public's apprehension reflects broader concerns about the potential impact on local health resources and the safety of the Kenyan population.

In light of the unrest, Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale emphasized that the quarantine center is intended to serve "everyone" and would not be limited solely to U.S. nationals. This statement aimed to quell fears that Kenyans might be at risk due to the presence of foreign Ebola patients within their borders.

Furthermore, the U.S. government is reportedly planning to invest $13.5 million into enhancing Kenya's preparedness for Ebola outbreaks. This funding commitment was highlighted in a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which underscores the importance of international cooperation in facing public health challenges.

This situation reflects a complex interplay between global health security and local public sentiment, as communities grapple with the implications of hosting facilities for infectious disease management. The protests indicate significant local resistance and concern over how foreign health policies may affect national health infrastructure and safety.