Britain Responds After Viral Images Link BATUK Uniform to Nanyuki Protest Scene

The British High Commission in Nairobi has distanced the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) from the policing of protests in Nanyuki, following the circulation of images showing an armed individual wearing what appeared to be a British military uniform during demonstrations in Laikipia County.

The diplomatic mission issued a public statement on Thursday, June 11, after photographs from the June 9 protests sparked widespread speculation and criticism on social media, with some Kenyans questioning whether British military personnel had participated in security operations against demonstrators.

“No BATUK personnel were involved in the policing of protests in Nanyuki on 9 June 2026,” the Commission stated.

“British military uniform was misappropriated and we have raised concerns with the Kenyan authorities,” the mission further clarified.

Issues about the Uniform Emerged During Protests

The claim arose amid protests following plans by the government to set up a quarantine facility amid an Ebola virus outbreak in East and Central African countries.

Also Read: Tension in Nanyuki as Police Fire Tear Gas at Ebola Demonstrators

The protest took place as the protesters were opposed to the setting up of the quarantine facility adjacent to Laikipia Air Base.

This is because of the risk that the facility could pose to people’s health in the area.

Clashes ensued amid the protest as the police resorted to tear gas to disperse the protesters.

One of the protestors died due to gunshots.

Photographs of the protest showed a fully dressed and heavily armed individual guiding protesters.

The camouflage uniform was similar to the uniforms worn by British troops based in Kenya, hence causing suspicion about the role played by BATUK soldiers in policing.

BATUK Sensitivity in Kenya

This answer takes into consideration the rising attention on the operations of BATUK in Kenya.

Also Read: Katiba Institute Files Petition Accusing Govt of Defying Court Orders on Ebola Facility

BATUK is mainly based in Nanyuki and has been known to engage in military training exercises within Kenya in line with the defense cooperation between the two countries.

In recent times, many accusations have been hurled at BATUK based on various factors such as environmental pollution, unexploded ordinances, and incidents involving the behavior of British soldiers.

Various parliamentary inquiries have investigated complaints lodged by locals in both Laikipia and Samburu counties.

The British government has consistently argued that BATUK personnel only conduct themselves within the limits of military training agreements and do not undertake any internal policing roles in Kenya.

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BATUK headquarters in Nanyuki. PHOTO/ BATUK