Senior officials from the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) on Tuesday failed to appear before the National Assembly Defence Committee to answer questions over alleged atrocities committed by their soldiers in Kenya.
The committee had summoned BATUK representatives alongside Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru. While the CS and PS attended, Tuya told lawmakers she could not account for BATUK’s absence, noting that her ministry had engaged them through the Foreign Affairs docket.
Committee chair Nelson Koech criticised the no-show, warning the officials risk being declared hostile witnesses, a designation for individuals or entities that refuse to cooperate with a parliamentary inquiry. This status allows the committee to order their arrest, compel their attendance, or impose fines.
“There are children born out of illegal relationships with British soldiers. This House was reluctant to pass the Defence Cooperation Agreement, so in the eyes of this committee, BATUK are hostile witnesses,” Koech said.
BATUK, which operates a training base in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, is under investigation for alleged corruption, fraud, torture, abuse of power, and killings.
One of the most high-profile cases is the 2012 murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru, who was raped and killed after a night out with British soldiers. Her body was later found dumped in a hotel septic tank.
The committee has granted BATUK another opportunity to appear before Parliament, warning that failure to honour the next summons will trigger punitive measures.
Written By Rodney Mbua
