LONDON – Allegations of racist and antisemitic behaviour against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during his school years have intensified, with three more former classmates coming forward to reject his claim that the remarks were mere "banter." The new witnesses described the alleged abuse as "targeted, persistent and nasty," adding to a growing chorus of over 20 individuals who have now made similar claims. This escalating scandal places the character of a pivotal figure in British politics under intense scrutiny, with significant potential implications for the United Kingdom's partners, including Kenya.

On Monday, 24 November 2025, Farage broke his silence on the accusations, which were detailed in an investigation by The Guardian. He stated he never engaged in racist behaviour "with intent" to hurt anyone and suggested his comments from nearly 50 years ago could be interpreted as "banter in a playground." However, the new witnesses directly challenge this narrative. Former pupil Cyrus Oshidar called the no-intent claim "rubbish," asking rhetorically, "Being called a Paki isn’t hurtful?" Another, Rickard Berg, accused Farage of "straight up lying."

The allegations, which reportedly span a six-year period when Farage was between 13 and 18 years old, include the targeted abuse of Emmy- and BAFTA-winning director Peter Ettedgui. Ettedgui, who is Jewish, has publicly stated that Farage repeatedly told him "Hitler was right" and taunted him with remarks about gas chambers. Farage's aides had initially issued a categorical denial of all claims, but the leader's more recent, nuanced responses have failed to quell the controversy.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While the events in question are historical and occurred in the UK, the political ascent of Nigel Farage and Reform UK is of strategic interest to Kenya. The UK is a critical partner for Nairobi, with deep historical, economic, and diplomatic ties. According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services between the two nations surpassed Sh340 billion in the year ending September 2025. Furthermore, a renewed UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership for 2025–2030 aims to double trade and deepen cooperation.

The character and political ideology of British leaders can directly influence policies that affect thousands of Kenyans. Reform UK's platform, as articulated in its official communications, advocates for a freeze on non-essential immigration and leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to expedite deportations. The party has also proposed a 90% reduction in the UK's foreign aid budget. Such policies, if implemented, could significantly alter the landscape for Kenyan students, professionals, and businesses interacting with the UK, as well as impact development programmes in the region.

The allegations of racism against Farage are therefore not merely a domestic UK issue for a Kenyan audience. They raise fundamental questions about the worldview of a politician whose party is gaining influence and whose policies could reshape the UK's relationship with the Commonwealth and Africa at large. The controversy underscores the importance of scrutinising the foundational beliefs of leaders whose decisions have global reach.

Farage has maintained his innocence, suggesting the allegations are politically motivated and timed to coincide with his party's rise in opinion polls. He told reporters the Guardian newspaper wants to "smear anybody who talks about the immigration issue." As more former classmates continue to speak out, the matter has moved beyond a dispute over youthful indiscretions to a serious examination of a major political leader's credibility and past conduct.