British troops accused of human rights violations and sexual abuse in Kenya

"A report by the Kenyan parliament into the conduct of troops stationed at a British military base close to the town of Nanyuki in Kenya has alleged human rights violations, environmental destruction and sexual abuse by British soldiers. The inquiry into the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk) was carried out by Kenya's departmental committee on defenc, intelligence and foreign relations."

"Throughout the inquiry, the committee encountered significant institutional resistance and non-cooperation from Batuk, which persistently declined to appear before the committee and instead invoked claims of diplomatic immunity, the report said. The inquiry, chaired by the MP Nelson Koech, uncovered a disturbing trend of sexual misconduct by Batuk personnel, marked by rape, assault and abandonment of children fathered by soldiers. Survivors of sexual violence reported cases being dropped or mishandled by local authorities, with many victims denied access to justice, the report said."

Kenya's departmental committee on defence, intelligence and foreign relations investigated troops stationed at the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk). The committee held public hearings in Laikipia and Samburu counties and received submissions from civilians, victims, community leaders, civil society organisations and public agencies. Batuk repeatedly declined to appear and invoked diplomatic immunity, producing institutional resistance. Testimony indicated widespread sexual misconduct by Batuk personnel, including rape, assault and abandonment of children, with many cases dropped or mishandled by local authorities. An internal Batuk inquiry in 2003–2004 seized evidence, dismissed most complaints and did not publish findings. No mechanism exists in UK or Kenyan law to hold Batuk soldiers accountable. The killing of Agnes Wanjiru was cited as deeply concerning.

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