UK General Promises Justice for Kenyan Victims of British Forces
Acknowledging Past Incidents and Commitment to Kenya
General Roland Walker, the head of the British Army, has acknowledged past incidents in Kenya where local communities were harmed. These incidents include cases of abuse, loss of life, and environmental damage. Speaking after his visit to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) on March 19, General Walker emphasized that the army takes these incidents seriously and is committed to providing redress in coordination with Kenyan authorities.
“I recognize there are historical cases where we have let people down, where individuals have been abused or harmed, where lives have been lost, and where the environment has been damaged. We take these allegations and events very seriously,” he said.
The General added that he is working closely with Kenyan authorities to ensure that anyone affected can voice their concerns through the appropriate channels. He affirmed that this commitment is both professional and personal, noting that Kenya was his home and Kenyans were like family, making the effort to address past incidents a deeply personal responsibility.
Strengthening Strategic Defense and Security Partnership
During his visit, General Walker highlighted the importance of reaffirming the strategic defense and security partnership between the United Kingdom and Kenya. He mentioned that the British Army intends to continue its partnership with Kenya for many years, underlining its mutual benefits and the importance of the army’s license to operate in the country.
“So, we want to carry on this partnership for many more years. It’s to our mutual benefit, and that’s why our license to operate is so important. Personally, my commitment to that is firm,” he said.
Roland Walker expressed gratitude to those supporting the mission, emphasizing that their cooperation is essential to the success of the partnership. During his visit, he met with the Kenyan Chief of Defence and the head of the Kenyan Army to discuss counter-terrorism efforts, particularly addressing the threats posed by Al-Shabaab and border security risks.
Touring BATUK and Recognizing Its Role
General Roland Walker also toured BATUK, praising it as an ideal location for preparing troops for global operations. The training unit plays a crucial role in equipping British soldiers for various missions around the world.
Addressing Past Injustices and Recent Developments
The assurance to address past injustices against Kenyans comes in the wake of the arrest in London of a former British soldier linked to the 2012 murder of a Kenyan, Agnes Wanjiru, near BATUK. According to a statement from the National Crime Agency (NCA), 38-year-old Robert James Purkiss was apprehended on November 6, 2025, by specialist officers from the National Extradition Unit in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
Kenya had formally requested Purkiss’s extradition in September 2025 after issuing an arrest warrant over the killing of the 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was discovered in a septic tank at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki. She was last seen at the hotel in the company of a group of British soldiers stationed at the nearby military base.
Agnes Wanjiru’s murder remained under investigation since 2012, with the last people to see her alive reportedly being British soldiers. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to address past incidents and ensure justice for those affected.
