Linus Murangiri was crushed to death by a vehicle while rushing to help extinguish a fire at a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary that was hosting a British army training exercise. His widow has called for a swift investigation into the cause of the fire and her husband's death, urging the findings be made public.
The fire, which destroyed approximately 12,000 acres of the Lolldaiga conservancy in central Kenya, has been blamed on the military exercise. It devastated habitat for elephants, buffalos, lions, hyenas, jackals, and the endangered Grevy's zebra. One British soldier allegedly posted on Snapchat: 'Caused a fire, killed an elephant and feel terrible about it but hey-ho, when in Rome.'
Nearly 1,000 local residents and a lobby group have filed an environmental lawsuit over the incident. They claim the wildfire was unprecedented, lasting at least four days and causing thick smoke that led to breathing difficulties and hospitalisations. The Kenya Wildlife Service has denied reports that five elephants and a calf were killed.
The British High Commission stated that the army conducted an internal investigation but declined further comment due to the ongoing court case. Residents also report ongoing disturbances from loud explosions, gunfire, and low-flying aircraft, as well as wildlife fleeing the conservancy and damaging their crops.
The lawsuit argues that military training has violated residents' right to a clean environment and that the British army and conservancy should bear responsibility for ecological damage. The British army's lawyers have asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming Kenyan courts lack jurisdiction. A ruling is expected later this month.
