A group of Kenyan labourers hired by the British Army for training exercises is suing the force, alleging they were subjected to perilous working conditions without adequate protection. The claims include a shocking incident where a 70-year-old man says he was mauled by a lion and dragged 100 metres.
Lion Attack and Alleged Neglect
The legal action centres on workers employed to assist British troops during Exercise Haraka Storm Bravo, a major infantry drill conducted over four days last year in northern Kenya. Among the petitioners is Sanguiyan Ole Legei, aged 70. In a witness statement, he alleges he was left to sleep on open ground inside a wildlife conservancy when a lion attacked him at night.
"A lion grabbed my left knee and dragged me for approximately 100 metres," Legei states. He recalls colleagues rushing from their tents after hearing his screams and the lion's roar. "I was bleeding heavily, in excruciating pain, and unable to stand or move."
Legei claims British soldiers gave first aid but did not evacuate him immediately, allegedly stating it would 'spoil the games.' He says he was instead placed in an isolated tent, left bleeding and unattended all night despite available vehicles and an aircraft. It took over 15 hours before he received hospital surgery, where he stayed for 19 days. He now walks with crutches and lives with constant pain.
A Pattern of Hazard and Discrimination
The lawsuits, filed at an employment court in Kenya, argue that local workers were exposed to dangerous wildlife, toxic smoke from M18 grenades, and explosive blasts without protective gear. Their lawyer, Evelyn Kilesi, states the men were paid less than £6 a day and were denied formal contracts or safety briefings.
Kilesi highlights a stark contrast in treatment, alleging British soldiers, who are primarily white, were provided with full protective equipment. She argues this shows a racially discriminatory disparity and a "failure to value the lives of black casual labourers," prioritising military exercises over welfare.
An investigation by Declassified UK found other workers from the same exercise reported breathing problems, hearing loss, and injuries. The training occurred across the Lolldaiga and Ole Naishu conservancies, areas popular for luxury safaris.
Broken Trust and a History of Scandal
The legal claims emerge alongside a damning report from Kenyan lawmakers, who accused the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) of behaving like an "occupying presence." A parliamentary committee uncovered a disturbing trend of alleged sexual misconduct, including rape, assault, and the abandonment of children fathered by soldiers.
The report also cited evidence of injuries and deaths among Kenyans employed to clear unexploded ordnance without proper protection. This revives long-standing scandals, including the 2007 death of Robert Swara Seurei, who mistakenly lit an explosive, and the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki. A suspect in Wanjiru's case was recently arrested in the UK.
BATUK has stated it has zero tolerance for exploitation and abuse and takes all allegations seriously. The claimants seek accountability and compensation for life-altering injuries. The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing lawsuits.
