The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has issued a final summons to the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) to appear before Parliament, as part of a two-year inquiry into alleged human rights violations, environmental degradation, and unresolved criminal cases.
Committee Chair Nelson Koech confirmed the decision following a meeting with Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru. Lawmakers are seeking BATUK’s formal response to accusations, including the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki, which remains unresolved.
“This Committee has the power to invite any person to provide evidence or information,” Koech said. “We represent the people of Kenya, and we expect BATUK to honour our institutions by cooperating fully with this inquiry.”
Members of Parliament stressed that the matter falls within their constitutional oversight mandate, citing Articles 5(2) and 6(1) of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which require visiting forces to operate within Kenyan laws. They also invoked Article 125 of the Constitution, which grants Parliament authority to summon witnesses.
Yusuf Hassan criticised BATUK’s absence, saying, “It is unfortunate that a foreign government has declined to appear before this Committee on a matter that directly affects Kenyan citizens. You cannot come to a country and shield alleged perpetrators of serious crimes.”
Memusi Kanchory accused BATUK of showing “contempt for this Committee and Parliament” by repeatedly failing to attend hearings, while Joshua Kandie underscored Kenya’s sovereignty, insisting that partners must “respect our people and our institutions.”
CS Tuya assured MPs that her ministry had formally engaged BATUK and the British Government through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to secure their attendance. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring BATUK’s cooperation.
The Committee has already conducted public hearings in Samburu, Laikipia, and Isiolo counties, and consulted key agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the National Environmental Management Authority, and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“This is our country. We must protect and give answers to our people,” Koech emphasised, warning that BATUK must appear or submit written testimony to conclude the inquiry.
