Kenyan Members of Parliament have demanded the appearance of officials from the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, citing serious allegations of human rights violations, environmental degradation, and misconduct.
The demand follows over a year of investigations into the conduct of BATUK personnel in Kenya. During a recent session, the Committee, chaired by MP Nelson Koech, engaged the Ministry of Defence, led by Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, to account for the allegations and clarify the government’s position.
In a strongly worded letter, the Committee dismissed the Ministry’s claim that the matter should be handled through the Inter-Governmental Liaison Committee (IGLC) as outlined under Article 24 of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Kenya and the United Kingdom. Instead, MPs argued that the inquiry is a domestic oversight matter falling squarely under Parliament’s constitutional mandate.
“This inquiry is not within the purview of the IGLC. It is being undertaken by a relevant authority of the host nation, in line with domestic law,” Koech stated, citing Articles 5(2) and 6(1) of the DCA, which compel foreign military personnel to operate within Kenyan laws.
Lawmakers including Abdukadir Mohammed, Caleb Amisi, Fred Ikana, and Kwenya Thuku insisted that Parliament must seek accountability directly from BATUK, not through intermediaries. Ikana, who participated in a fact-finding mission to Laikipia, underscored the need to hear directly from victims and affected communities.
PS Mariru reiterated the Ministry’s recognition of Parliament’s oversight role but maintained that formal engagements with BATUK should be routed through the IGLC. Nonetheless, MPs rejected this stance, arguing that Parliament cannot delegate its oversight responsibility to international mechanisms.
Chair Koech confirmed that the British High Commissioner and the UK Defence Attaché had expressed readiness to appear before the Committee, in accordance with Article 125 of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, which empower Parliament to summon individuals and compel evidence.
“This is our country. We must protect our people,” said MP Kwenya Thuku, reaffirming the Committee’s resolve to bring BATUK officials before Parliament for accountability.
