A parliamentary investigation in Kenya has leveled grave accusations against a long-standing British military training unit operating in the country, citing a pattern of serious misconduct including sexual violence, environmental damage, and obstruction of justice.
The report, compiled by Kenya’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, focuses on the activities of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), based near Nanyuki. The committee states it faced significant resistance from the unit, which declined to appear before investigators, citing diplomatic immunity.
Among the most severe findings are allegations of sexual abuse by soldiers. The inquiry describes a trend of rape, assault, and the abandonment of children fathered by personnel. It further claims that an internal BATUK investigation from 2003-2004 dismissed most rape complaints as false without publishing its findings, leaving victims without recourse through either British or Kenyan legal systems for child support.
The report also highlights the unresolved 2012 killing of Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was discovered in a septic tank after she was seen with British soldiers. The inquiry alleges the investigation has faced obstruction, hindering justice. A former British soldier has been arrested in connection with the case and is contesting extradition to Kenya.
Beyond human rights concerns, the document details extensive environmental harm attributed to military exercises in Laikipia and Samburu counties. Witnesses reported ecological damage from explosions, troop movements, and training-related bushfires, which have disrupted wildlife habitats and migration corridors for species including elephants and the rare Grévy’s zebra. A specific 2021 incident allegedly saw BATUK personnel cause a fire that burned over 10,000 acres, destroying flora and fauna and displacing local residents.
The inquiry also records allegations of a civilian herder being shot and killed by a BATUK officer, injuries from unexploded ordnance, and the deliberate harassment of livestock by military aircraft.
In response to these findings, the committee has issued several recommendations. These include establishing a code of conduct for visiting forces with zero tolerance for sexual violence, creating a survivor liaison unit for legal aid, forming a taskforce to prosecute military-linked crimes, and developing mechanisms to hold soldiers accountable for child support.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence stated they had submitted evidence to the inquiry and noted the report’s publication. The spokesperson expressed deep regret for the challenges related to the defence presence in Kenya and asserted a readiness to fully investigate any new allegations once evidence is provided.