Ksh3 billion bribe demand led BATUK to shift operations; Gachagua claims
Ksh3 billion bribe demand led BATUK to shift operations; Gachagua claims
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that a Ksh3 billion bribery demand by Kenyan government officials prompted the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) to shift part of its operations to Tanzania.
Speaking during a church service at St Teresa Catholic Church in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County, on Sunday, July 26, Gachagua claimed the National Assembly’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee demanded the money before BATUK’s training agreement in Kenya could be renewed.
“The committee of Parliament for Defence and Foreign Relations. The chairman is called Nelson Koech. He is a Kasongo man. He told these whites, ‘For us to renew the contract, we want Ksh3 billion,’” Gachagua claimed.
According to Gachagua, the British delegation was taken aback by the alleged demand and asked what work or service the Ksh3 billion payment was intended to cover.
He claimed the negotiations dragged on for close to eight months, with the committee allegedly pushing for the payment throughout that period.
“Take one or two billion and send it to Kasongo. The whites asked, What do you want three billion for? Is there a receipt? Is it for work, or is it for a crime, to seek votes? This dragged on for eight months,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua stated that the British eventually declined to pay anything, insisting they could not fund what he described as a political kitty.
He said the impasse forced BATUK to cancel its Kenyan contract for a particular training, and shift operations to Mezama in Tanzania instead.
Former Citizen TV Journalist Willis Raburu issues update after an accident
Kindiki sends Kiraitu Murungi to hold talks with Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
Teacher linked to murder of prison warder found dead in Baringo
However, as of the time of publication, neither the National Assembly’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, the Kenyan government, nor the UK Ministry of Defence had responded to Gachagua’s allegations.
BATUK has maintained a presence in Nanyuki since the tenure of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, with its operations continuing through the administrations of Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now President William Ruto.
At the same time, Gachagua noted that the unit’s presence at Nyati Barracks has long supported joint military training focused on counter terrorism cooperation between Kenya and Britain.
Beyond security, he pointed out that BATUK has been an economic lifeline for Nanyuki, a town largely built around the soldiers’ presence.
He warned that losing BATUK’s presence could deal a significant economic blow to Nanyuki, threatening livelihoods built around the decades-long military partnership.
Uganda nominates candidate for UN Secretary-General position
Sharon Otieno’s mother breaks silence after conviction of Obado and co-accused
US deports former NFL linebacker Daniel Adongo to Kenya
DCP opens registration for 2027 aspirants, releases registration fees
