NANYUKI, Kenya- Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that a Sh3 billion bribery demand was behind delays in renewing the licence that would have allowed the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) to continue its planned training activities in Nanyuki.
Speaking during a church service in Meru, the former Deputy President claimed that officials involved in negotiations demanded the money from British authorities before the agreement could be renewed.
Gachagua alleged that the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Relations Committee was involved in the negotiations, claiming that its chairperson, Nelson Koech, was linked to the demand.
He alleged that the money was intended to benefit President William Ruto’s political activities, claims that have not been independently verified.
“For us to renew the contract, we want Sh3 billion,” Gachagua said, alleging that the British side rejected the demand because it did not have a clear official purpose or documentation.
The DCP leader said the dispute affected BATUK operations in Nanyuki, warning that the town’s economy could suffer if the British military unit scales down its presence.
“Nanyuki has grown because of BATUK. If they leave, Nanyuki Town will die,” Gachagua said.
He argued that BATUK has contributed significantly to the local economy through employment opportunities, business activity and military cooperation between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
BATUK has maintained a long-standing presence in Nanyuki, where it conducts joint training exercises with the Kenya Defence Forces, including counter-terrorism and security operations. The unit’s activities have also supported local businesses that serve military personnel and visitors.
The controversy comes after reports that a planned British military training exercise involving about 1,500 soldiers in Kenya was cancelled following disagreements over arrangements governing the presence and operations of UK forces.
The United Kingdom has previously maintained that existing defence agreements and operational considerations guide discussions around military cooperation with Kenya.
The claims are likely to intensify political debate over Kenya’s defence partnership with the UK, with the issue emerging as a fresh point of contention ahead of the 2027 General Election.