Overview
- Kenya’s parliamentary committee published findings alleging decades of sexual misconduct, human-rights violations and environmental damage linked to the British Army Training Unit Kenya.
- The report cites rape, assault and abandonment of children fathered by soldiers, as well as torture, unlawful detention, forced evictions and injuries tied to unexploded ordnance.
- Investigators documented a 2021 training-related fire that scorched more than 10,000 acres and reported illegal dumping of toxic materials in training areas.
- Lawmakers said BATUK persistently declined to appear before the inquiry, invoking diplomatic immunity, while recommending a visiting-forces code of conduct, a survivor liaison unit and a military-linked crimes taskforce.
- British officials expressed regret, said BATUK has zero tolerance for abuse and stands ready to investigate fresh claims; a former soldier, Robert Purkiss, was arrested in the UK over the 2012 Agnes Wanjiru killing and faces extradition hearings.