The National Assembly is being urged by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission to hold the British army responsible for multiple instances of abuse against human beings. 

 The Defence Foreign Relations Committee was presented with a report that detailed multiple cases of alleged murder, sexual assault, and exploitation by the British Army training unit in Kenya, also referred to as BATUK. 

According to a report presented by Prof. Marion Mutugi, the KNCHR Commissioner, the Commission received 43 complaints against BATUK as early as 1975.

The KNHCR report highlights the mistrust held by the host community towards the British army due to multiple instances of injustice wherein the army has been accused of committing various crimes such as assault, rape, murder, and maiming. 


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"This highlights the systematic issue of delayed or non-existent justice for victims of incidents involving BATUK. The report read

The Commission brought to light a case in which a woman was killed in 2012 by a member of the BATUK army; the murder was not discovered until 2021, which infuriated Kenyans. 

 "The DCI assumed control of the investigations, but this incident, along with others, adds to the community's already-present mistrust and anxiety regarding the idea of impunity and lack of accountability for BATUK's actions." Go through a portion of the report. 

The Commission now requests that parliament make sure the army is held responsible for its deeds and that it abides by the law and human rights. 

Professor Mutugi issued a challenge to the National Assembly to draft legislation that would ensure community safety and army accountability.


"While the cooperation plays an important role, it's important to ensure that the operations do not harm the human rights, environment and socio economic well being of the Kenyan people, they must comply with international human rights standards local and national laws." Mutegi told the committee.

The committee chair and Belgut MP Nelson Koech lamented of how long it has taken for victims to get justice and promised the investigation will yield fruits. 

"We will look through all the violations that you have listed here, we intend to conduct thorough investigation into this issue and ensure justice for Kenyans is achieved." He said