LONDON, UK – Seven Kenyans have won a landmark case at a Family Court in London, proving they were fathered by British soldiers who served at the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK).
The case marks the first time paternity has been established through public DNA databases in a UK court, setting a precedent that could pave the way for others to seek British citizenship.
The seven, represented by British lawyer James Netto and geneticist Professor Denise Syndercombe Court, presented DNA evidence linking them to six soldiers and one civilian contractor who had been stationed at the Nanyuki-based military facility.
“For many families, today’s hearing marks the end of an incredibly difficult journey that for so long felt impossible,” Netto told the BBC after the ruling. “Children and young people who previously only had questions now have answers.”
Tracing the Past Through DNA
The legal team had travelled to Nanyuki to collect DNA samples and testimonies from people who believed their fathers had served with BATUK.
Using publicly available DNA databases, they matched genetic profiles with relatives in the UK, confirming the paternity claims.
The court’s decision, reported by the BBC, means the seven Kenyans can now pursue applications for British citizenship and potentially seek child support or recognition from their fathers.
In August, during the proceedings, the High Court ordered the release of names and addresses of 11 British soldiers suspected of fathering children in Kenya. Some of the claimants have since made contact with their fathers.
Pain and Closure
Among them is 33-year-old Peter Wambugu, who told the BBC that he grew up knowing his father was a British soldier but had never met him.
“I was bullied all through my childhood for being of mixed race,” Wambugu said. “All the pain I’ve been carrying for 30 years — all the discrimination — has finally turned into joy.”
He said his father, who had been unaware of his existence, has since acknowledged him. “Luckily, my mother always told me my father was a good man,” he added.
Another claimant recalled meeting her father only once, at the age of four, and described her upbringing as “extremely lonely and filled with questions.”
Broader Implications
Lawyer Netto said many more people in Nanyuki and surrounding areas believe they are descendants of British soldiers and are seeking answers.
“The next step is to tackle more difficult cases — those with little or no information about their fathers,” he said, adding that the paternity findings have given hope to dozens of others.
The UK Ministry of Defence said paternity cases involving serving personnel are treated as private matters but noted that it cooperates with local child support authorities where such claims arise.
The ruling comes amid renewed scrutiny of BATUK’s operations in Kenya following calls to extradite a British soldier accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki in 2012.
