Committee Investigates BATUK’s Conduct in Kenya: Veterans and Human Rights Groups Testify

By Catherine Muema On Jun 14, 2024

The Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has continued its inquiry into the conduct of BATUK (British Army Training Unit Kenya) in Kenya.

In a session chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut), the Committee first heard from ex-Mau Mau veteran Mr. Gitu wa Kahengeri, who shared his experiences while fighting for the freedom of Kenya and described the harsh treatment received from BATUK.

“We went to war with the British Army to fight for you, the young generation in Kenya, and not for us. We went to war so that our children can achieve any level of education, and we are proud of that,” said Mr. Kahengeri.

He further implored the committee not to let the British continue troubling the region. “I want to ask you, as a committee, to take the trouble that we endured as your own and ask the President to declare that this country was occupied for over 70 years by a colonial regime, and the gallant young people need to be treated as great humans of Kenya.”

Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil) inquired whether the Secretary General of the Mau Mau War Veterans Association had any written submissions on specific issues caused by BATUK’s presence.

He confirmed that a public petition had been submitted to the committee, and they hoped to engage in further discussions.

Hon. Koech thanked the Mau Mau veterans, assuring them of the committee’s commitment to include their submission in the final report and to look into the veterans’ petition. “Your information today and your engagement has been extremely resourceful. The liberty and freedom we enjoy today is courtesy of your work and many others. As a committee, we will look into your petition and consider it,” said Hon. Koech.

The committee also heard from the Kenya Veterans for Peace, a Kenya Defense Forces military veterans’ organization.

They reported cases of injuries to women, sexual assaults resulting in unwanted pregnancies, and a lack of investigation by local authorities into soldiers who violated the code of conduct.

The organization proposed several recommendations, including a review of the defense cooperation agreement between Kenya and Britain, protection of women from potential victims of soldiers, relocating British training outside Kenya, and prohibiting the training of British troops in private foreign-owned ranges in Laikipia.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) also presented their concerns, highlighting cases of killings, maiming, assault, infringement on community lands, resources, environmental rights, intimidation of human rights defenders, labor rights violations for Kenyan employees at the barracks, and sexual violence and exploitation.

KHRC called on the committee to ensure the Kenyan government swiftly initiates measures to redress these historical and current injustices to foster a more transparent, fair, and just relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom.