Kenyan lawmakers have intensified calls for top officials of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) to appear before Parliament to account for alleged human rights abuses committed during their operations in the country.
The Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, is spearheading the probe, which seeks accountability for decades of reported violations, including sexual violence, killings, and unethical conduct. During a session with Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru on Tuesday, Koech emphasized the need for direct engagement with Batuk leadership to get answers.
Initially, the Ministry of Defence had opposed the physical appearance of the foreign military chiefs before Parliament, citing procedural concerns. However, MPs have dismissed this position, with Koech warning that the committee would invoke parliamentary privileges if the military officers ignore their summons.
“Batuk leadership must face Parliament to account for their actions. This is not negotiable,” Koech said.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi supported the call, citing international diplomatic standards that encourage transparency and cooperation in such matters. Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana added, “The PS must reconsider his position so that we can have a one-on-one engagement with Batuk. One life lost is too many.”
In response, PS Mariru clarified that the ministry would not obstruct Parliament’s constitutional role. “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 stated.
Batuk, based in Nanyuki with a small detachment in Nairobi, is a British military unit that trains troops for deployment and high-readiness operations. The unit comprises about 100 permanent staff and around 280 rotational personnel.
The parliamentary committee has already met with the Mau Mau Veterans Association, Kenya Human Rights Commission, and residents from affected regions, including Nanyuki, Isiolo, and Samburu. The investigation covers ethical misconduct, including corruption, discrimination, abuse of power, and grave human rights abuses such as torture and killings.
Among the cases under scrutiny is the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother last seen with British soldiers. A Kenyan inquest in 2019 concluded British troops were responsible, yet no one has been charged. The MPs vow to pursue justice for victims and ensure accountability.
