A damning report from the Kenyan parliament has levelled serious allegations against the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), accusing its personnel of human rights violations, sexual misconduct, and causing extensive ecological damage.
Institutional Resistance and Allegations of Abuse
The inquiry, conducted by Kenya's departmental committee on defence, intelligence and foreign relations, faced significant institutional resistance and non-cooperation from Batuk. The committee, chaired by MP Nelson Koech, stated the unit persistently declined to appear, invoking claims of diplomatic immunity.
The report details a disturbing trend of sexual misconduct, including allegations of rape, assault, and the abandonment of children fathered by soldiers. It claims survivors were often denied justice, with cases dropped or mishandled by local authorities. The inquiry highlighted a Batuk internal investigation into rape claims between 2003 and 2004, which was found to have seized evidence and dismissed most complaints as false without publishing its findings.
A central case referenced is the killing of Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. Her body was discovered in a septic tank at a hotel where she had been drinking with British soldiers. The report alleges the investigation has faced undue interference. A former British soldier has been arrested in connection with her death, with extradition proceedings underway; he denies the charge.
Ecological Damage and Further Violations
The committee received extensive evidence of serious environmental degradation linked to Batuk's military exercises in the training areas of Laikipia and Samburu counties. Witnesses reported that loud explosions, heavy troop movements, and training-related bushfires have disrupted wildlife habitats and migration corridors, affecting species including elephants and the rare Grévy's zebra.
A specific incident in 2021 was detailed, where Batuk personnel were reported to have caused a fire during an exercise that engulfed over 10,000 acres of land at the Lolldaiga conservancy. The inferno caused substantial destruction of flora and fauna, displaced wildlife, and exposed local residents to noxious fumes.
Other allegations include the shooting and killing of a man named Tilam Leresh while herding livestock, injuries from unexploded ordnance, and military aircraft deliberately frightening livestock.
Recommendations and UK Response
The inquiry made several key recommendations, including:
- Developing a visiting forces code of conduct with zero tolerance for sexual violence and clear environmental obligations.
- Establishing a survivor liaison unit to offer legal aid to victims.
- Creating a military-linked crimes taskforce to oversee investigations into offences by foreign military personnel.
- Urging the UK and Kenyan governments to negotiate mechanisms to hold Batuk soldiers accountable for child support.
In response, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated they were grateful for the chance to submit evidence and noted the report's publication. The spokesperson expressed deep regret for the challenges arising from the defence presence in Kenya. Regarding new allegations in the report, they stated: "We stand ready to investigate those under our jurisdiction fully once evidence is provided."
