Kenya Launches Public Hearings into Alleged Abuses by UK Troops

[Social Media]

 

Kenya has initiated public hearings to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and misconduct by British soldiers stationed in the country. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), which operates a permanent base in Nanyuki, has been implicated in several offenses, including murder, mistreatment, and abuse of power.

 

The most prominent case under scrutiny dates back to 2012 when the body of Agnes Wanjiru, a young Kenyan mother, was discovered in a septic tank in Nanyuki. Wanjiru had last been seen alive with a British soldier. Her family's quest for justice has faced numerous delays, with hearings repeatedly postponed. The case is now scheduled to be heard on July 10, according to local media reports.

 

Kenya's parliament has announced it will conduct four public hearings, including one in Nanyuki, to investigate the allegations against the British troops. These sessions, set between Tuesday and Thursday this week, aim to probe into human rights violations such as mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, and killings. Additionally, they will examine ethical breaches related to misconduct, including corruption, fraud, discrimination, and abuse of power.

 

A parliamentary official revealed that the first hearing took place behind closed doors in Laikipia, the county that encompasses Nanyuki. The investigation also seeks to resolve the jurisdictional dispute between London and Nairobi concerning British soldiers accused of breaking Kenyan law. The UK government has previously stated that it does not accept the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court investigating Wanjiru's death.

 

In response to the ongoing hearings, a spokesperson for the British high commission expressed their intention to cooperate with the inquiry. "The British high commission in Nairobi and Batuk intend to cooperate with the inquiry," the spokesperson said. They emphasized that the UK-Kenya defense partnership is crucial for the safety of both Kenyan and British people through joint training and operations with the Kenya Defence Forces.

 

The hearings coincide with a visit by Andrew Mitchell, Britain's minister of state for development and Africa, who met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss strengthening ties. On Thursday, the British mission reported that high commissioner Neil Wigan met with Wanjiru's family to offer condolences and reaffirm the UK's commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation into her death. "The meeting provided an opportunity for the high commissioner to listen to the family and offer his condolences. The high commissioner also reiterated the UK’s continued commitment to cooperate fully with the Kenyan investigation into the death of Ms. Wanjiru," the mission stated.

 

In October 2021, Britain’s Sunday Times reported that a British soldier had confessed to killing Wanjiru and had shown her body to his comrades. The report suggested that military superiors were informed of the murder, but no action was taken. Following these revelations, Kenyan police announced the reopening of the inquiry.

 

Wanjiru’s family has filed a lawsuit against the British army in Kenya and Kenyan police, legal, and political officials over her death. The hearings represent a significant step in addressing the allegations and seeking justice for the victims.

 

Despite Kenya's independence from Britain in 1963, the two countries maintain strong ties, including a defense agreement allowing several thousand British troops to conduct exercises on Kenyan soil annually. The current investigation into alleged abuses by British troops aims to uphold justice and accountability, ensuring that the relationship between the two nations is grounded in mutual respect and adherence to human rights.

 

Credit: The Guardian 2024-05-30

 

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[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

October 2021, Britain’s Sunday Times reported that a British soldier had confessed to killing Wanjiru

Hang him👍

[newbee2022]

Brits again. At least only one. However, how many cases to come?😳

[BusyB]

5 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Brits again. At least only one. However, how many cases to come?😳

 

Have you any idea what went down during Mau Mau days? And that barely 10 years after the liberation of Europe.