MPs want British military chiefs to appear before them over human rights violations

Parliament now wants top bosses of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) to appear before it to explain alleged human rights abuse.

The Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relation Committee, which is seeking accountability for decades of alleged human rights violations, including sexual violence and killings on Tuesday insisted that the British military chiefs must explain their involvement.

The Committee is chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech.

He spoke during a session with Defense Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru,

Initially, the Ministry of Defence was against the physical appearance of the foreign military bosses, citing procedures.

The Belgut MP said the committee will invoke parliamentary privileges should the military bosses ignore their invite.

Batuk is a permanent training support unit based in Nanyuki but with a small element in Nairobi.

It provides demanding training to exercising units preparing to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks.

The unit also consists of around 100 permanent staff and reinforces a short tour cohort of another 280 personnel.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said their appearance is also provided for in the international best diplomatic practices.

“The PS must reconsider his position so that we can have a one-on-one engagement with Batuk. One life lost is too many,”  said Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana.

Mariru, in response to the MPs, said his ministry cannot be a hindrance to Parliament in executing its constitutional mandate.

“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,” the PS said.

The Koech-led committee has so far met representatives from the Mau Mau Veterans Association, Kenya Human Rights Commission and residents and leaders from Nanyuki, Isiolo and Samburu counties.

The MPs are investigating alleged breaches related to ethical misconduct, including corruption, fraud, discrimination, abuse of power and other unethical behaviours.

They are further probing allegations of human rights violations, including mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, killings or any other violations of internationally recognised human rights standards.

They will assess Batuk’s operational integrity, especially safety protocols, compliance with legal requirements and adherence to established military standards.

The controversial 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru will also be included in the probe.

The 21-year-old mother was allegedly last seen with British troops at a hotel near the barracks. Her body was found in a septic tank at a nearby lodge with stab wounds.

INSTANT ANAYSIS

A 2019 inquest in Kenya concluded that British soldiers were responsible for her murder and ordered further investigations. No one has been charged. Lawmakers are investigating alleged ethical breaches related to ethical misconduct, including corruption, fraud, discrimination, abuse of power, and other unethical behaviours.