Name: Kenyan report condemns British army unit BATUK over decades of abuses
Uploaded: 2025-12-05T17:30:37.628Z
Duration: 1 min 3 s
Description: The Kenyan lawmakers described BATUK’s presence as more akin to that of an “occupying force” than a partner — calling into question the long-standing defense cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom and demanding stronger oversight, accountability, and mechanisms for victims’ justice and compensation.

The Kenyan lawmakers described BATUK’s presence as more akin to that of an “occupying force” than a partner — calling into question the long-standing defense cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom and demanding stronger oversight, accountability, and mechanisms for victims’ justice and compensation.

Nairobi

A parliamentary inquiry in Kenya has accused the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) of serious human rights violations, including repeated incidents of sexual abuse and environmental destruction. The report, released by the Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, documents decades of misconduct, such as rape, assault, abandonment of children fathered by soldiers, and improper disposal of military waste leading to injury and land degradation.

The UK government has responded to the findings by expressing regret and stating its willingness to investigate any new allegations once evidence is presented. The report highlights longstanding concerns regarding the conduct of foreign military personnel stationed in Kenya.

Kenyan report condemns British army unit BATUK over decades of abuses

Authorities in Kenya have released a damning report from a parliamentary inquiry accusing the British Army's training unit in the country of serious human rights violations, environmental damage, and misconduct spanning decades. The investigation conducted by the Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee documented repeated incidents of sexual abuse, including rape and assault, often followed by abandonment of children fathered by soldiers. Beyond sexual violence, the report also holds Batuuk responsible for environmental destruction, negligence in handling ordnance, and improper disposal of military waste leading to injury, death, and degradation of local land. The UK government responded by expressing regret over the findings and saying it stands ready to investigate new allegations once evidence is provided according to its statement.

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