A British service member accused of committing a sexual assault near a prominent military installation in Kenya has been evacuated back to the United Kingdom as investigations unfold, sources confirm to RNG247. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the military community, occurred last month in close proximity to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), located near Nanyuki, approximately 125 miles north of Nairobi.

According to military and local sources, the soldier was involved in an incident that took place following a night out at a local bar in Nanyuki. The victim, a woman, reportedly was assaulted near the controversial military base that has been a focal point of various scrutiny and controversy over the years. The soldier’s arrest was executed by UK military authorities, who detained him for questioning as part of their ongoing investigation.

The Defence Serious Crime Unit, a specialized branch within UK military police tasked with investigating offenses committed by British service personnel both domestically and abroad, has taken over the case. The UK Ministry of Defence issued a brief statement confirming the arrest, emphasizing the military’s strict stance against misconduct: “Unacceptable and criminal behavior has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces, and any reporting of serious crime by serving personnel is investigated independently from their chain of command.”

This recent incident echoes a troubling history of allegations surrounding UK personnel stationed in Kenya. In a disturbing chapter from 2012, a British soldier was linked to the murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother of one, whose body was discovered in a septic tank near the BATUK installation three weeks after her sudden disappearance, reportedly after an evening with soldiers. 

The Sunday Times of London revealed in 2021 that evidence pointed towards the involvement of a British soldier in her death. The UK Ministry of Defence stated it was cooperating with Kenyan authorities in their investigation, but no concrete charges were announced at the time.

The British military presence in Kenya dates back to 1964, shortly after the East African nation’s independence from Britain. Under an agreement with Kenyan authorities, the UK can deploy up to six battalions annually for training purposes at BATUK, a strategic installation that has seen numerous rotations of British troops over the decades.

However, the base has frequently been scrutinized amid allegations of misconduct by British personnel. Last year, a public inquiry convened by Kenyan Members of Parliament revealed troubling reports of abuse and mistreatment of local civilians, including incidents involving hits and run accidents, and allegations that some soldiers had impregnated local women and abandoned them and their children upon returning to the UK.

As investigations into the recent assault continue, questions remain about the presence and conduct of British troops in Kenya. The UK Ministry of Defence maintains a firm stance against misconduct, but the ongoing allegations highlight persistent concerns over the accountability of military personnel stationed abroad, particularly in regions with volatile histories of military and civilian interactions.