Investigation into Alleged War Crimes by British Troops in Kenya Begins
Report By | Parvez Ahmad
British troops stationed in Kenya have been accused of war crimes and human rights violations, including murder. Kenya has initiated public hearings into allegations of human rights atrocities and abuse of power by British troops based in the colony. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) is considered an economic lifeline for the central town of Nanyuki, where it maintains a permanent base. However, soldiers stationed there are facing allegations of committing offenses, including murder.
In a highly publicized case dating back to 2012, the body of a young Kenyan mother, Agnes Wanjiru, was found dead in a septic tank in Nanyuki, where she was last seen alive with a British soldier. Wanjiru’s family filed a lawsuit in Kenya over her death, which occurred 21 years ago. However, the hearing process has been lethargic, with continuous postponements. According to local media, the case is now scheduled to be heard on July 10.
Kenya’s parliament announced that it would hold four public hearings, including one in Nanyuki, into alleged war crimes by British military stationed in Kenya. The lower house of Parliament, known as the National Assembly, issued a circular ordering an investigation into the alleged abuses, including human rights violations such as mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, and killings. The hearings will also examine alleged ethical breaches related to misconduct, including corruption, fraud, discrimination, abuse of power, and unethical behavior.
There have been jurisdictional disputes between London and Nairobi over British troops violating Kenyan law. The UK government previously stated that it did not accept or recognize the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court probing Wanjiru’s death.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated that they intend to cooperate with the inquiry. The UK-Kenya defense partnership is emphasized as crucial, with joint training and operations with the Kenya Defense Forces contributing to the safety of both Kenyan and British citizens.
High Commissioner Neil Wigan met with Wanjiru’s family, offering condolences and reiterating the UK’s commitment to fully cooperate with the Kenyan investigation into her death.
In October 2021, Britain’s Sunday Times reported that a soldier confessed to killing Wanjiru and showed her body to comrades. Allegations suggest that military superiors were made aware of the murder, but no further action or investigation was initiated. A probe was opened in 2019, but no results have been made public. After international media revelations regarding alleged war crimes, the Kenyan police announced they would reopen the case for investigation.
Although Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, strong ties between both countries persist, including military agreements allowing thousands of British troops to conduct defense exercises on Kenyan soil each year.
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