The British government has rejected claims by Kenyan MPs that its military training unit in Kenya, Batuk, has been involved in serious misconduct.
London described the parliamentary report as one-sided and said it regretted that its detailed written response was largely ignored in the findings.
The report, compiled by the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee under Belgut MP Nelson Koech, outlined decades of complaints against Batuk.
It highlighted unresolved deaths, sexual misconduct, environmental harm, and alleged exploitation of local resources.
The British High Commission expressed disappointment that its submission, which addressed the issues raised in the inquiry, was not incorporated into the report.
“The UK notes the publication of the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee’s inquiry,” a spokesperson said.
“In the spirit of cooperation with the inquiry, the UK submitted a statement responding substantively to the issues highlighted and outlining the actions taken to address the concerns raised.”
“While we deeply regret the challenges which have arisen in relation to our defence presence in Kenya, we are disappointed that our submission to the committee was not incorporated into the report’s conclusions.”
Britain emphasised that it is willing to investigate any new allegations within its jurisdiction once evidence is presented. The statement also underlined the importance of the UK-Kenya defence partnership, which includes joint programmes in training, education, and security capability development.
The UK’s response, spanning 12 pages, directly countered multiple allegations. It denied systemic corruption or collaboration with security forces to intimidate, silence, or bribe victims.
“UK MOD is not aware of any evidence to support any allegation of collusion with security forces to suppress or dismiss complaints or intimidate, bribe or coerce victims into silence,” the statement said.
On financial misconduct, the UK noted that only one alleged fraud case had been reported at the bilateral oversight level over the past four years.
Regarding the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, linked to a British soldier, the UK reiterated its commitment to justice but stressed that the case falls under Kenyan jurisdiction.
“As this crime is alleged to have been committed while not in the course of official duties, Kenya holds jurisdiction for this case in line with the DCA,” it said, adding that British authorities have provided support “whenever requested.”
For the 2012 shooting of Tilam Leresh, which occurred during official duties, British Service Police investigated the incident and prosecutors reviewed it twice, finding insufficient evidence to charge the soldier and noting lawful self-defence. “The UK is always prepared to consider new evidence if it is presented to us,” the submission said.
The UK also defended Batuk’s environmental and safety record, citing annual audits conducted by authorities such as the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema). A 2024-25 audit concluded, “Batuk has consistently enhanced its Environmental Health and Safety management since 2015.”
The government addressed allegations of using white phosphorus munitions, confirming that these have not been deployed since 2022 and that a clearance process is ongoing.
On claims of sexual exploitation, the UK pointed to a Zero Tolerance policy introduced in July 2022, which it said has led to a “significant reduction in incidents.”
The statement also noted that a 2025 British Army Service Inquiry found transactional sex still occurring at a “low to moderate level.”
