British High Commission Demands Kenyan Response Over Uniform in Nanyuki Protest

The British High Commission issued a statement on Thursday, 11 June 2026, demanding a Kenyan government response over the use of a British Army uniform during protests in Nanyuki. The statement said no BATUK personnel policed protests in Nanyuki on 9 June and that the British military uniforms seen were misappropriated.

A viral photograph showed an armed security officer wearing what appeared to be a British military jacket while arresting a protester during demonstrations on 9 June 2026.

The protests targeted a US-linked Ebola quarantine and treatment facility near the Kenya Air Force Base in Nanyuki. Police reportedly opened fire during clashes with demonstrators on 9 June 2026. Human rights groups said one protester was killed and at least nineteen people were arrested.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission documented officers operating on motorcycles and in unmarked or partially concealed government vehicles while dispersing crowds on 9 June 2026. The commission also alleged that some officers wore masks or hoods that obscured their identities. Vocal Africa described the fatal shooting as a dangerous escalation in tensions surrounding the proposed Ebola facility.

The county government of Laikipia has moved to court seeking to halt the establishment of the Ebola quarantine facility. BATUK's role in Kenya is governed by the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom. BATUK's activities are limited to military training, logistical support and capacity-building initiatives conducted alongside the Kenya Defence Forces.

BATUK is based near Laikipia Air Base and is the British Army's largest permanent deployment in Africa. As of Thursday evening, 11 June 2026, the Kenyan government had not publicly responded to the concerns raised by the British High Commission.