Members of the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations are scheduled to meet with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome tomorrow to discuss the conduct of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK).
Additionally, police chiefs from areas where the British troops operate will also be part of the discussions.
The committee has been investigating BATUK’s operational integrity, focusing on safety protocols, compliance with legal requirements, and adherence to established military standards. The probe also includes the controversial 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a case allegedly involving British troops.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, was last seen with British troops at a hotel near the barracks, and her body was later found in a septic tank at a nearby lodge with stab wounds. Despite a 2019 inquest in Kenya concluding that British soldiers were responsible for her murder and ordering further investigations, no one has been charged.
Last month, the committee conducted public hearings in Laikipia and Samburu counties as part of its investigation.
BATUK, a permanent training support unit based mainly in Nanyuki with a small element in Nairobi, provides rigorous training to units preparing for deployment on operations or high-readiness tasks. It consists of approximately 100 permanent staff and reinforces a short tour cohort of around 280 personnel.
The Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom allows BATUK to operate in the country, among other provisions. The meeting with the Inspector General of Police and police chiefs signifies the government’s commitment to addressing concerns surrounding BATUK’s operations and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.
