The clashes in Nanyuki mark a violent escalation over the proposed 50-bed unit.

Many Kenyans accuse the United States of offloading the risk of caring for individuals exposed to the deadly Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Tuesday's deployment of tear gas follows a demonstration last week in the central town where two protesters were killed.

As frustrations boiled over, hundreds gathered across Nanyuki waving Kenyan flags, with one carrying a white cross decorated with "Reject Ebola" in red. Police detained at least 10 protesters, according to a Reuters witness.

The facility is specifically designated for asymptomatic Americans exposed to the virus. While six exposed citizens—including one who tested positive—were moved to Germany and another to the Czech Republic last month, the Donald Trump administration has taken a hardline stance domestically.

The administration stated it “cannot and will not allow” any Ebola cases to enter the U.S. Those showing symptoms would be sent to other countries.

A High Court judge has twice issued orders barring Kenya’s government from building or operating the site.

The latest order gave the government a one-week deadline to disclose all agreements and operational protocols. That deadline expired Monday with zero compliance from the state.

"My message is this: Laikipia is not a dumping site and our voices must be heard," protester Priscilla Imani told Reuters, noting that Ebola fears are already scaring tourists away from Mount Kenya and a nearby rhinoceros nature conservancy.

Despite the court orders, U.S. military planes have continued to ferry in staff and equipment, according to diplomatic sources and flight tracking data.

Satellite imagery shows a rapid build-up of white tents on an 11-acre plot at the air base since late May, with more aircraft expected to land this week, according to Reuters.

Public anger is increasingly targeted at President William Ruto, with crowds chanting "Ruto must go!"

President Ruto defended the project last week, stating his administration was doing “the right thing” by establishing the center.

Local residents strongly disagree. “Why would a government set up a facility to control a disease we don’t have when they can’t deal with the ones ailing us?” Bethwel Onyango, 24, told Reuters.

Joshua Malidzo, a lawyer challenging the plan on behalf of the Katiba Institute legal advocacy group, confirmed the government failed to meet Monday's court deadline.

A government spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. government stated it is aware of the legal challenge and is “working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections”.

Shortly after Kenya agreed to the plan, the U.S. pledged $13.5 million for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness. While Kenyan officials claim the facility will also serve Kenyans and foreign nationals, U.S. officials have not confirmed that agreement.