Parliament launches probe into alleged abuses by British soldiers in Kenya

File image of Kenya's Parliament. PHOTO | THOMAS MUKOYA | REUTERS
The National Assembly has launched an inquiry
into alleged atrocities inflicted on Kenyans by the British Army Training Unit
in Kenya (BATUK) based in Laikipia and Samburu counties.
The Departmental Committee on Defense is
inviting members of the public and stakeholders to submit memoranda relating to
alleged malpractices within BATUK since its inception.
The committee Chairman Nelson Koech said
the Parliamentary Defense watchdog will ensure that all victims of atrocities
get justice.
By invoking Article 95 of the Constitution
which mandates the National Assembly to represent the people, deliberate on
issues of concern to the people and exercise oversight of State organs, Koech
sought to assure Kenyans that the committee will conduct a comprehensive
investigation into the alleged malpractices.
Among the allegations being probed include; Ethical
breaches related to misconduct, including corruption, fraud, discrimination,
abuse of power, and other unethical behaviours.
The committee is also looking into human rights
violations including mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, killings, or
any other violations of internationally recognized human rights standards.
BATUK’s operational integrity especially
safety protocols, compliance with legal requirements and adherence to established
military standards is also under the microscope.
“We
were confronted by different petitions in Laikipia & Samburu counties on
gross human rights violations,” said Koech.
The committee is now calling on members of
the public and stakeholders to submit memoranda on any issue they may wish to
draw the attention of the committee to.
“We have received
so many petitions and memoranda from victims of atrocities. Whether it dates
back to 1963, we have to get to the bottom of it,” added Koech.
The unresolved murder case of Agnes Wanjiru,
the woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier in March 2012, is among
atrocities and human rights violations that the Parliamentary Defense watchdog
is seeking to probe and seek justice.
The committee has so far received 10 petitions
implicating the British Army Training Unit in Kenya.
With no single accused Army officer having been
prosecuted in Kenya, perhaps this is a God sent opportunity for the victims who
have been waiting for Justice to submit their case.
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