Kenyan MPs Call Out British Soldiers for Abuse and Environmental Violations

Fri Dec 05 2025 12:20:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A parliamentary report in Kenya has accused British soldiers of years of sexual abuse, killings, and environmental damage during military training in the country.

In a shocking report, Kenyan MPs have claimed that British troops, stationed in the nation for decades, are responsible for sexual misconduct, environmental destruction, and serious human rights violations. The accusations include testimonies from local communities detailing incidents of violence and environmental negligence caused by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk). The UK High Commission has expressed regret over the situation while the Kenyan government calls for accountability and reform.

Kenya's parliament has accused British soldiers of decades of sexual abuse, killings, human rights violations, and environmental destruction while training in the country.

The report detailed harrowing testimony from communities in Laikipia and Samburu counties, near the military training bases.

The British soldiers are accused of evading accountability by refusing to cooperate with the parliamentary investigation.

The UK High Commission in Kenya said it regretted that its submission was not reflected in the report's conclusions, affirming its readiness to investigate the allegations fully when evidence is provided.

For decades, troops from the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk) have been training in central Kenya, a presence that has often spurred controversy with misconduct and rights abuses alleged against them.

More than 1,000 Kenyan soldiers receive British training each year, while thousands of UK troops are sent to Kenya for training exercises.

In a comprehensive 94-page report from a two-year inquiry, Kenya's parliamentary Committee on Defence accused Batuk of ethical breaches, rights violations, and environmental negligence.

The panel noted that host communities reported incidences of assaults, killings, and other violent engagements involving Batuk personnel.

Among the grievous incidents cited was the murder of Agnes Wanjiru in 2012, her body being found months later after an alleged encounter with British soldiers.

Throughout the report, allegations of sexual misconduct by Batuk personnel have surfaced, claiming that many victims were denied justice.

Additionally, environmental concerns were raised, with local residents experiencing health issues and livestock deaths linked to military exercises.

The investigative panel requested reforms concerning accountability of Batuk soldiers, highlighting the need for legislative changes to ensure justice and protection for those affected by the troops' presence.