UK Issues Update on BATUK Officer Arrested Over Rape Allegations

The UK's Ministry of Defence has confirmed the arrest of an officer attached to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) over rape allegations.

In a statement shared with Nairobileo.co.ke on Wednesday, June 11, the Ministry of Defence revealed that the officer had already been repatriated to the UK. 

The UK government also clarified that the victim in the alleged sexual assault incident was a British citizen and not a Kenyan, hence the repatriation. 

UK added that the matter was under investigation by the UK Defence Serious Crime Command. 

“We can confirm the arrest of a British Service person in Kenya in relation to a report of a sexual assault. The Service person has been repatriated to the UK, and the victim is a British adult, not a Kenyan," read the statement in part.

“The matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the UK Defence Serious Crime Command, in accordance with the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the UK and Kenya.”

Earlier, in a report, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the incident occurred in May.

It was alleged that the incident occurred in Nanyuki, where the BATUK camp is located.

The report by the BBC indicated that the incident occurred after a group of soldiers had visited a bar.

This is not the first time that the BATUK camp has come under scrutiny. For instance, there are still ongoing investigations into the murder of Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. 

Wanjiru's body was found dumped in a septic tank, as it was alleged that the murder was committed by some soldiers who were attached to BATUK.

Currently, the investigative files on the murder of Wanjiru are before the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

"The DPP acknowledges the significant time that has elapsed in this matter and remains fully committed to ensuring justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru. The public will be informed of any developments as the case progresses," read the statement in part.

"The DPP assures the family of Agnes Wanjiru and the public that any decision regarding charges will be made in strict adherence to the Constitution, the Decision to Charge (DTC) Guidelines 2019, and applicable laws."