British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh has pledged stronger accountability over abuses, deaths and environmental damage linked to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Laikipia.

Speaking during his first visit to the county on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Baugh acknowledged that the relationship between BATUK and surrounding communities had been damaged by serious incidents over the years.

“We are the first to acknowledge that people have been abused, some have lost their lives, the environment has been damaged, and that standards have not been as high as we would have wanted them to have been historically,” Baugh said.

The envoy said the UK would investigate reported incidents, review its conduct and support communities affected by BATUK operations.

“It is our obligation and commitment to this community to investigate every event, review every action and provide the support this community needs and demands from us,” he said.

Baugh did not announce timelines for completing investigations or specify the cases in which affected families should expect action.

Agnes Wanjiru case remains unresolved

His remarks come as the UK continues to face pressure over the killing of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother whose body was found in a septic tank at a Nanyuki hotel in 2012.

Wanjiru had last been seen at the hotel with British soldiers who were training in Kenya.

A major development occurred in November 2025 when British authorities arrested former soldier Robert James Purkiss following an arrest warrant issued by a Kenyan court.

Purkiss appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and indicated that he would oppose extradition to Kenya. He has denied involvement in Wanjiru’s death.

Wanjiru’s family welcomed the arrest but called for a speedy extradition process after waiting more than 13 years for the case to reach trial.

The case has become the most prominent test of accountability involving BATUK personnel in Kenya.

A Kenyan parliamentary inquiry published in December 2025 also raised wider concerns about the conduct of British troops.

The committee reported a “disturbing trend of sexual misconduct” involving rape, assault and children reportedly abandoned by British soldiers. It also documented complaints involving unexploded ordnance, deaths, toxic waste and environmental damage.

The UK Ministry of Defence said it regretted problems arising from its presence in Kenya and was prepared to investigate new information falling under its jurisdiction. BATUK maintained that it had zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.

Lolldaiga fire compensation

BATUK also faced legal action following a fire that broke out at the Lolldaiga Hills during a British military exercise in March 2021.

In August 2025, the UK agreed to pay £2.9M to settle claims brought by more than 7,000 residents and an environmental organisation affected by the fire.

The blaze destroyed about 12,000 acres and caused extensive environmental damage. Residents also raised concerns about smoke exposure and unexploded military material left in the area.

During his Laikipia visit, Baugh met Governor Joshua Irungu and County Commissioner Pius Murigu to discuss local concerns and cooperation between BATUK and the county.

He also visited a school where BATUK funded the construction of an assembly and dining hall expected to serve about 250 pupils.

Baugh said BATUK remained important to defence cooperation between Kenya and the United Kingdom through joint exercises with the Kenya Defence Forces, employment and community projects.

However, he said the unit must also remain accountable to the communities hosting its operations.

“We take that responsibility to be a close and active member of this community, as well as a good neighbour, profoundly seriously,” Baugh said.