British soldier arrested in Kenya over rape allegation
2 min read
British soldier accused of rape near army base in Kenya amid growing scrutiny over military conduct.
British Soldier Arrested in Kenya Over Rape Allegation
UK military police investigate alleged assault near British army training camp in Nanyuki.
A British soldier has been arrested in Kenya following an allegation of rape near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) base, reviving concerns about UK military conduct in the country.
The alleged incident took place last month near the town of Nanyuki, around 200km north of Nairobi, after a group of soldiers reportedly visited a local bar. The suspect was arrested and questioned by the UK Defence Serious Crime Unit, which is responsible for investigating alleged crimes by British service members both at home and abroad.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the arrest, stating:
“Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and any reporting of a serious crime by serving personnel is investigated independently from their chain of command.”
Ongoing Scrutiny of British Troops in Kenya
This latest allegation adds to a series of controversies involving British soldiers stationed at the Batuk camp. In 2012, the body of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan mother, was discovered in a septic tank near the base weeks after she was last seen with British soldiers. A 2021 report by the Sunday Times identified a UK soldier as a prime suspect. The MoD has since pledged to cooperate with Kenyan authorities in that case.
Established in 1964, the Batuk camp was created under a UK-Kenya agreement allowing British forces to conduct regular training exercises in the region. The agreement permits up to six battalions annually.
CHECK ALSO| Zimbabwe to cull 50 elephants, distribute meat to locals
However, the presence of UK troops has become increasingly controversial. A public inquiry by Kenyan MPs last year exposed a number of allegations, including:
-
Hit-and-run incidents
-
Sexual misconduct
-
Reports of local women being abandoned with children fathered by British soldiers
About The Author
