Tears and emotional testimonies marked a gathering in Nanyuki as victims of alleged abuses linked to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) called on the Kenyan government to prioritise justice and accountability before renewing a military cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom.
The affected families, human rights activists and community representatives said they have endured years of pain, unanswered questions and delayed justice, warning that any renewal of the BATUK agreement should address their longstanding grievances.
At the centre of the renewed calls is the family of Agnes Wanjiru, a young Kenyan woman whose death 14 years ago was allegedly linked to a British soldier. Speaking during the meeting, her niece Esther Njoki said the family continues to suffer as they wait for accountability and closure.
According to Njoki, the prolonged delay in resolving the case has deepened the family’s pain and raised fears that justice may never be served.
The five-year BATUK agreement, which expired in 2025, is currently under review by the Kenyan and British governments. However, residents from Laikipia and neighbouring areas say discussions on a new deal should not proceed without addressing the concerns of communities affected by BATUK operations.
Human rights defenders, including Bob Njagi, lawyer Kevin Kubai and activist Njeri Migwi, joined the families in amplifying calls for justice, compensation and stronger safeguards for local communities.
Among those represented were members of the Lolldaiga community, residents who claim to have suffered environmental and social harm linked to military training activities. Also present were mothers and children born from relationships involving British soldiers, some of whom allege abandonment and lack of support.
Victims expressed frustration over what they described as slow-moving legal processes and inadequate compensation mechanisms. They argued that many of their grievances have remained unresolved despite years of petitions and engagement with authorities.
For the family of Agnes Wanjiru, the lack of closure remains a painful reminder of a case that continues to attract both local and international attention.
The affected communities are now urging both governments to ensure that justice, compensation and protection of local residents form part of any future agreement. They argue that renewing the pact without addressing past grievances would undermine public confidence and leave victims feeling abandoned.
Attention is also turning to Parliament, where the proposed BATUK agreement is expected to undergo scrutiny before adoption. Stakeholders are calling on lawmakers to ensure that the concerns of victims are reflected in the final parliamentary report and that clear accountability measures are included before any approval is granted.
As negotiations continue, victims say they remain hopeful that their voices will finally be heard and that long-delayed justice will become a reality rather than another unfulfilled promise.
