The National Assembly has initiated an inquiry into alleged wrongdoings committed by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) situated in Laikipia and Samburu counties. The Departmental Committee on Defense has invited the general public and interested parties to provide written submissions concerning reported misdeeds within BATUK since its establishment.
Nelson Koech, the Chairman of the committee, has affirmed that the parliamentary defense oversight body will ensure that all individuals who have suffered from these alleged atrocities receive fair treatment. By citing Article 95 of the Constitution, which mandates the National Assembly to represent the populace, discuss matters of public concern, and supervise governmental bodies, Koech has reassured Kenyans that the committee will conduct an extensive examination of the purported wrongdoings.
The committee is delving into a range of allegations, including breaches of ethical conduct involving misconduct, corruption, fraud, unfair treatment, abuse of authority, and other unethical behaviors. Moreover, the committee is investigating instances of human rights violations such as mistreatment, torture, illegal detention, fatalities, or any infringements of internationally recognized human rights standards.
The committee is also scrutinizing BATUK’s operational integrity, particularly its safety protocols, adherence to legal requirements, and compliance with established military benchmarks. Koech stated, “We have received various petitions from Laikipia and Samburu counties regarding severe human rights violations.”
The committee is now urging members of the public and concerned parties to submit their written accounts regarding any matters they believe should be brought to the committee’s attention. Koech emphasized, “We have collected numerous petitions and statements from victims of these atrocities. Regardless of the time frame, including incidents dating back to 1963, we are committed to thoroughly investigating them.”
The unsolved case of Agnes Wanjiru’s murder, allegedly involving a British soldier in March 2012, is one of the instances of atrocities and human rights violations that the parliamentary defense oversight body intends to investigate and provide justice for.
The committee has received a total of 10 petitions implicating the British Army Training Unit in Kenya. Given that no military personnel have faced prosecution in Kenya for these allegations, this inquiry presents a unique opportunity for the victims, who have long awaited justice, to present their cases.