Government-allied leaders from Laikipia have criticized the British government over delays in signing a new Defence Cooperation Agreement with Kenya.
The leaders insist that any renewed BATUK agreement must protect Kenya’s sovereignty and the interests of local communities.
Led by Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri, the leaders accused the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) of attempting to pressure the Kenyan government into accepting terms they say favour the United Kingdom.
They argued that the proposed agreement contains key provisions intended to safeguard Kenyan interests, including prioritizing employment opportunities for local residents within British military camps and ensuring British soldiers accused of offences in Kenya are subjected to proper legal processes.
The leaders claimed the British government has remained non-committal on the proposed provisions and has declined to sign the agreement in its current form.
They urged the United Kingdom to embrace a framework that reflects mutual respect and fairness between the two countries.
Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere alleged that Britain is using coercive tactics to pressure Kenya into accepting outdated provisions that undermine the country’s sovereignty.
She maintained that Kenya should not compromise its laws or national interests during the negotiations.
Despite the disagreement, the leaders said they support the continued presence of BATUK in Kenya, provided a new agreement is signed under terms that uphold Kenya’s authority, protect local communities and promote mutual benefit.
This comes even as the Kenyan government on Friday, July 24 dismissed reports suggesting that the BATUK arrangement had come to an end, saying the defence partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom remains in place.
In a statement issued, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said claims that the defence cooperation had been terminated were inaccurate.
The statement further insisted that Kenya and the United Kingdom continue to enjoy a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests and strong people-to-people ties.
