MoD cancels army training in Kenya over powers to prosecute British soldiers | British army
The British army has been forced to cancel training for its soldiers in Kenya after the Kenyan government refused to ratify a bilateral defense agreement.
The UK government wanted to renew the existing agreement, while Kenyan MPs were demanding changes that would give local authorities greater power to hold British soldiers accountable for any crimes committed in the country.
According to Kenyan news outlet Daily Nation, what cases is the dispute centered on? Kenya will retain primary jurisdiction The amount of money England paid Kenya to host the training camp has also been a matter of dispute.
Nelson Koech, chairman of Kenya’s national assembly’s defence, intelligence and foreign affairs committee, said the two governments were “actively engaged in resolving these important issues”.
As a result of the decision taken by the Kenyan government, the exercise planned to start in September with the participation of the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment was cancelled.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman said: “The UK highly values its relationship with Kenya, underpinned by mutual benefit, respect and cooperation. The UK-Kenya Defense Partnership is one of the great strengths of our relationship. Our joint training and operations with the Kenya Defense Forces keep both Kenyan and British people safe.”
“It is regrettable that the necessary licenses have not been received to allow the training to take place in Laikipia later this year. As a result, the planned training will now take place at an alternative location outside Kenya.”
Kenya also benefits from having its own armed forces trained at the British military base BATUK near Nanyuki, and the presence of British troops is valuable to the economy.
The MoD spokesman added: “We recognize the disappointment this decision will cause for those who will benefit from the economic activity created by the application.”
They said the UK government “remains committed to our defense partnership with Kenya”, adding that the UK “will continue to engage closely with the Kenyan government to support the resumption of education in the country as soon as possible”.
However, there is constant pressure from the Kenyan people against the continued presence of the British army. A report presented to the Kenyan parliament last year included allegations of human rights violations, environmental destruction and sexual abuse by British soldiers regarding the base.
The most notable case linked to the base was the death of Agnes Wanjiru, for whom a British soldier was accused of murder. Kenya retains jurisdiction in the case and an extradition hearing is scheduled for November. Robert Purkiss denies the single murder charge.
Legal proceedings had stalled since Wanjiru’s death in 2012, but progress was made during John Healey’s tenure as defense minister. As shadow defense secretary, he called on the previous government to do more to advance the cause.
Koech said the committee called for “stronger accountability measures, including jurisdiction over serious crime, enhanced protection for local communities and implementation of recommendations resulting from the BATUK investigation.”
