Gachagua Claims Ksh3 Billion Demand Forced BATUK Training Out of Kenya and Into Tanzania
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations over the relocation of a planned British Army training exercise from Kenya, claiming a Ksh3 billion demand by Kenyan officials contributed to the breakdown of negotiations with the United Kingdom.
Gachagua made the allegations on Sunday, July 26, while addressing worshippers at St Teresa Catholic Church in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County.
According to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, the demand was allegedly made during negotiations over the renewal of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement, which governs British military training activities in the country.
Gachagua specifically pointed to the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, whose chairman is Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
“For us to renew the contract, we want three billion shillings,” Gachagua claimed the British side was told.
He further alleged that the money was to be divided, with part allegedly being retained by individuals and another portion allegedly directed towards President William Ruto.
The former Deputy President claimed the British delegation questioned why such a large payment was being demanded and what official service it was intended to cover.
“What do you want three billion for? Is there a receipt? Is it for work, or is it for a crime, to seek votes?” Gachagua claimed the British representatives asked.
He alleged that the disagreement continued for approximately eight months, with the British side ultimately refusing to make the payment.
Gachagua claimed the impasse contributed to the cancellation of a planned BATUK training exercise in Kenya and its relocation to neighbouring Tanzania.
UK confirms training moved outside Kenya
The allegations come days after the United Kingdom confirmed that a planned military exercise in Laikipia would no longer take place in Kenya after the necessary licences were not obtained.
The exercise, known as Exercise Haraka Storm, had been scheduled to take place between September and November 2026. Reports indicate that the training has instead been moved to Tanzania.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said the decision was made with regret, stressing that Britain continued to value its defence relationship with Kenya.
“It is with regret that the necessary licences required to allow training to take place in Laikipia later this year have not been forthcoming,” the UK Ministry of Defence said.
The ministry added that the exercise would therefore be conducted at an alternative location outside Kenya.
However, the British government has not publicly confirmed Gachagua’s allegation that a Ksh3 billion bribe demand was responsible for the relocation.
Dispute goes beyond money
The controversy comes amid difficult negotiations over the renewal of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Kenyan lawmakers have raised concerns about the legal framework governing British troops in Kenya, particularly the ability of Kenyan authorities to deal with serious offences allegedly committed by British personnel.
Nelson Koech has said the two governments are engaging over outstanding issues, while the parliamentary committee has pushed for stronger accountability measures, including greater Kenyan jurisdiction over serious offences and enhanced protection for local communities.
The disagreement has also been influenced by longstanding controversy surrounding BATUK, including allegations of misconduct and the case of Agnes Wanjiru, whose 2012 death has become one of the most prominent sources of tension surrounding the British military presence in Kenya.
Kenyan Parliament has previously raised concerns about the conduct of British troops and the terms governing their presence in the country. Parliamentary records show that lawmakers had reservations about the Defence Cooperation Agreement and were seeking changes before the agreement could be fully implemented.
Gachagua warns of economic consequences for Nanyuki
Gachagua also warned that reduced BATUK activity could have serious consequences for Nanyuki and surrounding communities.
He argued that the British military presence has supported employment, businesses and commercial activity in the town for decades.
BATUK describes itself as a permanent training support unit based mainly in Nanyuki, with British troops using Kenyan facilities for demanding military exercises. Its own information says thousands of British troops come to Kenya for training each year.
Gachagua said the loss of training activity could therefore affect businesses and livelihoods that have developed around the military presence.
The Kenyan government, however, has rejected suggestions that the wider Kenya-UK defence partnership has collapsed.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary has said claims that the defence partnership has ended are inaccurate, stressing that the relationship between Nairobi and London remains in place.
As of publication, Gachagua’s Ksh3 billion bribery allegation had not been independently established. Neither the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee nor the Kenyan government had publicly confirmed that such a demand was made.
The UK Ministry of Defence has likewise attributed the relocation of the planned exercise to the failure to secure the necessary licences, while both countries continue to engage over the future framework for British military training in Kenya.
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