British Soldier Arrested in Kenya Over Rape Allegation Near Army Camp
British Soldier Arrested in Kenya Over Rape Allegation Near Army Camp
Politics Punjab TV | International Desk | Nairobi Report
A UK soldier has been arrested in Kenya following allegations of rape near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), reviving concerns over the conduct of British forces stationed in the region.
The incident reportedly took place last month in the town of Nanyuki, approximately 200km north of Nairobi, where the British army operates a long-standing training camp under a bilateral agreement with the Kenyan government.
According to sources, the alleged crime occurred after a group of British soldiers visited a local bar. The accused soldier was arrested and questioned by the UK’s Defence Serious Crime Unit — a branch responsible for investigating offenses by British service personnel both at home and abroad.
In an official statement, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the arrest and emphasized a zero-tolerance stance:
"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."
Background of Previous Allegations
This is not the first time the British military presence in Kenya has come under scrutiny. In 2012, Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman, was found dead in a septic tank near the BATUK base. It is alleged she was last seen with British soldiers.
In 2021, The Sunday Times reported that one soldier was believed to be responsible for her death. The UK MoD has since pledged cooperation with Kenyan authorities to support the ongoing investigation into the murder.
History of BATUK
Established in 1964 after Kenya’s independence, BATUK allows the UK to deploy up to six battalions annually for combat and survival training. However, the presence has not been without controversy.
A public inquiry launched by Kenyan MPs last year heard allegations including:
Hit-and-run incidents involving British army vehicles
Abandonment of local women and children fathered by British personnel
Disrespectful and disruptive behavior toward local communities
The arrest has reignited debate in both countries over the future of the UK-Kenya defence cooperation and accountability for foreign troops stationed abroad.
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