UK Responds To Claims of BATUK’s Involvement In Nanyuki Ebola Protests
The British High Commission in Kenya has refuted reports that British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) officers were involved in policing protests in Nanyuki on Tuesday, June 9.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, the commission stated that no British security forces were deployed or participated in any capacity throughout the unrest.
“No BATUK personnel were involved in the policing of protests in Nanyuki on 9 June 2026,” the statement read.
☑️ FACT CHECK
No BATUK personnel policed protests in Nanyuki on 9 June.
The British military uniforms seen were misappropriated.
We have raised concerns with the Kenyan authorities. pic.twitter.com/lIVvCk1hcY— UK in Kenya 🇬🇧🇰🇪 (@UKinKenya) June 11, 2026
The statement comes after widely circulated rumors and photographs suggested that people disguised in British military uniforms had been involved in corralling demonstrators.
In response, the commission acknowledged that any British military uniforms seen during the demonstrations were misappropriated.
The agency added that it has formally expressed concerns to Kenyan authorities over the misuse of the uniforms.
“British military uniform was misappropriated and we have raised concerns with the Kenyan authorities,” the statement added.
Protests were staged in Nanyuki as demonstrators opposed the establishment of a quarantine centre at the Laikipia Air Base for United States nationals exposed to Ebola.
No foreign military presence should come before Kenyan lives. BATUK soldiers are killing Kenyans in Nanyuki to protect American ebola facility, Kenya’s sovereignty is under threat. The British must leave. https://t.co/pbGIXEa71Y— Bevalyne Kwamboka (@bevalynekwambo3) June 11, 2026
UK military personnel are now being deployed to arrest Nanyuki protesters. The UK flag on the uniform indicates a special unit remotely recruited to serve British interests in Kenya. pic.twitter.com/ySClxsXkKw— Booker Ngesa Omole ☭ (@BookerBiro) June 11, 2026
The protests turned violent as protesters clashed with police amid open fire, leading to reports of at least one person killed and intensifying tensions in the town.
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Demonstrations in the area were previously planned amid mounting public outcry over the proposed facility.
The local residents raised concerns about national health security and questioned why the country was chosen as the location.
In a recent development, the Katiba Institute returned to the High Court seeking sanctions over the alleged disregard of existing conservatory orders halting the construction of the U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government appears to be proceeding with the plan, and the US has announced an additional Ksh2.59 billion (US$20 million) to support Ebola preparedness efforts in Kenya and three other East African countries.
This brings its total direct contribution to the regional response to over Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million).
UK Responds To Claims of BATUK’s Involvement In Nanyuki Ebola Protests
