MPs demand British military to face probe over rights abuses
The Ministry of Defence had earlier opposed the physical appearance of BATUK officers, citing existing protocols. But MPs dismissed that position, saying the inquiry is a domestic oversight matter under Kenyan law and does not fall under the Inter-Governmental Liaison Committee (IGLC) as suggested by the ministry.
The National Assembly has escalated pressure on top officials of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) to appear before its Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, following mounting allegations of human rights violations, including killings, sexual violence and abuse of power.
Committee chairperson Nelson Koech said the matter is too serious to be handled indirectly, warning that Parliament will invoke its powers if BATUK bosses ignore their summons.
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Koech spoke during a session with Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, where he insisted there was nothing wrong with asking the British military officials to appear in person.
“Batuk should appear before this committee; there is nothing unprocedural about it. I don’t see any reason why the Ministry of Defence is becoming a barrier to their appearance,” Koech added.
The Ministry of Defence had earlier opposed the physical appearance of BATUK officers, citing existing protocols. But MPs dismissed that position, saying the inquiry is a domestic oversight matter under Kenyan law and does not fall under the Inter-Governmental Liaison Committee (IGLC) as suggested by the ministry.
“This inquiry is not within the purview of the Inter-Governmental Liaison Committee. It is being undertaken by a relevant authority of the Host Nation, in line with domestic law,” Koech said.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said the officials are not appearing as accused persons but to provide critical information.
“They are coming here to give us crucial information; they are not coming as accused persons,” he said.
PS Mariru denied shielding BATUK, saying the Ministry was not blocking Parliament from exercising its constitutional mandate.
“The Ministry of Defence cannot in any way stop you as Parliament in your pursuit of the constitutional mandate. I cannot hold brief for Batuk,” he said. “We only believe the IGLC offers a formal mechanism for handling such matters.”
MPs maintained that Parliament’s oversight cannot be delegated to foreign processes and insisted that BATUK must cooperate with all domestic investigations as required by the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).
They cited Articles 5(2) and 6(1) of the agreement, which require visiting forces to operate within Kenyan law.
MP Abdukadir Mohammed pressed the PS on whether the Ministry had ever directly raised the concerns with BATUK. “Have you ever sat down with BATUK to discuss these concerns? What was their response?” he asked.
Amisi said Parliament must pursue accountability under the DCA. “We have a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the United Kingdom. That agreement must be honoured, and Parliament must pursue its provisions diligently.”
Koech revealed that the Speaker of the National Assembly has directed the committee to fast-track the inquiry, which has already lasted more than a year. He confirmed the British High Commissioner and UK Defence Attaché had shown willingness to appear.
MP Kwenya Thuku stressed the need for transparency and accountability, saying, “This is our country. We must protect our people. We want BATUK officials to appear before us on this inquiry.”
So far, the committee has held public hearings in Samburu, Laikipia, and Isiolo counties. They have also met with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Mau Mau Veterans Association, and residents from affected areas, as well as officials from the police, environmental agencies, wildlife authorities, and tax bodies.
The probe includes serious accusations such as mistreatment, unlawful detention, torture, and environmental damage. It also covers high-profile cases like the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was found in a septic tank after she was last seen with British soldiers in a Nanyuki hotel. In April, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met her family.
MPs insist BATUK must explain its operations, safety protocols, and ethical conduct, and Parliament must get to the bottom of any misconduct.
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