Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Kenyan lawmakers accuse British troops of misconduct
Kenyan lawmakers have said that British soldiers training in Kenya have been involved in bad behavior.
They say the soldiers have done things like hurt people and damaged the environment.
One big case is about a young woman named Agnes Wanjiru who was killed in 2012.
A British soldier named Robert Purkiss is accused of this, but he says he is not guilty.
The Kenyan lawmakers also say that the British soldiers are not being good partners and are more like an occupying force.
The British government says they take these claims seriously and will investigate.
They also say they follow environmental rules.
The agreement between the two countries about this training will end next year.
Kenyan lawmakers accuse British troops of sexual misconduct and environmental harm during training missions.
A prominent case involves the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, with British soldier Robert Purkiss arrested and facing extradition.
The report highlights injuries and deaths of Kenyans employed by British forces to clear unexploded ordnance without protective equipment.
BATUK denies allegations, stating zero tolerance for misconduct and compliance with environmental regulations.
The current defence cooperation agreement between Britain and Kenya expires next year.
- Who
- Kenyan lawmakers and British troops
- What
- Allegations of sexual misconduct, environmental harm, and occupational hazards by British troops in Kenya
- When
- December 3, 2023 (report published)
- Where
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Why
- Rising frustrations over the conduct of British troops training in Kenya
- Location
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Date
- December 3, 2023
- British Training Unit
- British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK)
- Allegations
- Sexual misconduct, environmental harm, and occupational hazards
- Notable Case
- 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru
- Suspect
- Robert Purkiss (British soldier)
- Defence Cooperation Agreement
- Signed in 2021, expires in 2024