Batuk inquiry: MPs allege lack of cooperation during House probe

The Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has criticised the UK after the High Commission protested that its submissions were ignored in the National Assembly’s inquiry into the British Army Training Unit Kenya

During the tabling of the report in the House on Thursday, committee vice chair Major (Rtd) Sheikh Bashir (Mandera North) said the team faced challenges engaging Batuk, alleging a lack of cooperation.

“The inquiry was consistently undermined by officials of Batuk who failed to cooperate with the committee. Despite repeated summons issued under Article 125 of the Constitution, Batuk officials declined to appear before the committee and instead routed all communication through the ministries of Defence and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” Bashir claimed.

He told the House that Batuk eventually sent a written submission through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but it was unsigned, undated and without an official letterhead.

Bashir said the document lacked authentication or clear attribution to Batuk or any authorised representative.

He described the communication as falling short of expected intergovernmental standards and said it signalled what he termed a disregard for Parliament’s authority, though he did not provide evidence of intent.

“Such conduct sets a concerning precedent for foreign forces operating within our borders. Parliament cannot and must not be treated as a ceremonial body,” he said.

Article 125 of the Constitution empowers Parliament and its committees to summon any person to give evidence or provide information.

As part of its inquiry, the committee held public hearings from May 28–30 in Laikipia and Samburu counties to gather testimony on allegations made by community members, including claims relating to human rights abuses, environmental damage and sexual offences.

The committee also held stakeholder engagements from May to October last year and received oral and written submissions from community representatives, civil society groups, public agencies and individuals who identified themselves as affected persons.

“According to the report, witnesses alleged instances of negligence in the handling of unexploded ordnances, which they said may have resulted in injuries and fatalities.

Witnesses also alleged environmental violations, including what they described as improper disposal of waste.

In a statement on social media, the UK High Commission said it had submitted a response addressing issues raised by the committee and detailing actions taken on related concerns.

“We are disappointed our submission to the committee was not incorporated into the report's conclusions. Where new allegations have come to light in the committee's report, we stand ready to investigate those under our jurisdiction once evidence is provided,” the High Commission said.

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei responded to the UK’s statement on X, saying Kenya valued its defence cooperation with the UK and that any issues raised were capable of being addressed through established channels. His response drew criticism from some MPs.

Martha Wangari (Gilgil), who seconded the report, described both the UK’s protest and the PS’s reaction as “unfortunate”, saying they appeared dismissive of Parliament. She said the committee had extended opportunities for engagement in line with the Constitution.

“So to see them respond in the media that they were not given a chance is, in our view, a misrepresentation,” Wangari said.

Committee chairman Nelson Koech (Belgut) also disputed the UK High Commission’s claim, saying no authenticated submission had been received.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan, however, urged the House to withdraw the report, arguing that it could strain relations between Kenya and the UK.

“We have an image and country to protect. As a former chairman of this committee, I call for rejection of this report and for alternative avenues of engagement,” Keynan said.

In an earlier interview with the Star, former UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan had said Batuk would cooperate with the inquiry once formally invited, adding that the UK supported a process that ensured accountability while avoiding interference with ongoing investigations.

“We have said that we will cooperate. It’s a Kenyan-led investigation, and we have said we will cooperate fully. We will do everything we can to support a fair process, and any allegations that emerge will be taken seriously,” he said.