UK Soldier Arrested in Kenya on Allegations of Rape

A UK soldier has been detained on allegations of raping a woman near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) in Nanyuki, about 200 km north of Nairobi. The incident reportedly occurred last month when the soldier was part of a group that visited a local bar. An investigation is currently underway by the UK military's Defence Serious Crime Unit, which examines offenses committed by British personnel both domestically and internationally.

The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the soldier's detention, emphasizing that "unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces." They assured that incidents involving serious crimes are investigated independently from the military's chain of command. The current allegations have resurfaced old wounds, as they come on the heels of previous claims surrounding the unsolved murder of a local woman, Agnes Wanjiru, who disappeared in 2012 after allegedly mingling with British soldiers. Her remains were later found in a septic tank, prompting the Ministry of Defence to express cooperation with ongoing Kenyan investigations.

The Batuk base has been operational since 1964 and has become a focal point for numerous allegations regarding the misconduct of British troops, which include claims of neglect and mistreatment towards local residents. A public inquiry led by Kenyan MPs has previously highlighted various incidents, including hit-and-run accidents and unacknowledged paternities. The situation continues to draw attention as the UK military seeks to address issues of accountability and conduct amongst its personnel deployed in Kenya.