British Soldier Arrested in Kenya Over Rape Allegations

A British soldier stationed in Kenya was arrested over rape allegations following an incident in Nanyuki. The soldier’s arrest is part of an ongoing investigation connected to previous serious crimes linked to British troops, including the murder of Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. As concerns rise over the culture within the army, calls for justice from victims’ families intensify.

A British soldier stationed at the military barracks in Kenya has been arrested amid allegations of rape. The arrest follows an incident reportedly occurring last month after a group of soldiers visited a local bar in Nanyuki, close to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk). This incident brings to mind the tragic case of Agnes Wanjiru, a local woman whose murder in 2012 was also tied to a British soldier.

The soldier’s arrest is a part of an ongoing investigation, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, which stated that they would not be providing further comments while the Defence Serious Crime Unit continues its inquiry. A spokesperson was clear: “Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces.” They emphasized that allegations against serving personnel are investigated independently of their military hierarchy.

Meanwhile, military police have been interrogating the owner of the bar which the soldiers visited, along with security staff who were present on the night of the alleged crime. The bar owner remarked on the soldiers’ fondness for his establishment and indicated that they often get inebriated and rely on him for rides home.

Last year, following a slew of serious crime allegations against British soldiers posted in Nanyuki, the army initiated an investigation into their conduct. This included allegations of sexual assault and the notable unsolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru, who was only 21 years old. A report from The Sunday Times uncovered that Wanjiru’s death in March 2012 was allegedly connected to a soldier serving in the Duke of Lancaster regiment. Disturbingly, it indicated a failure in addressing numerous reports identifying the alleged murderer.

Witness testimonies suggested that soldiers were aware of the alleged murderer’s identity soon after the incident. Instead of pursuing the matter, it has been claimed that military personnel were instructed to remain silent or risk being assigned to Kenya indefinitely.

The investigation into Wanjiru’s murder revealed that, despite rapid reporting of her death by soldiers, military communications with the Kenyan authorities did not reflect these claims. Esther Njoki, the niece of Agnes Wanjiru and spokesperson for the family, stated that the latest allegations introduce serious concerns regarding the British Army’s presence and operations in Kenya.

She expressed hopes for justice to be served in this case, emphasizing the troubling circumstances surrounding the behaviour of British soldiers. UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who met with Wanjiru’s family in April, has voiced his commitment to holding her alleged killer accountable, saying, “It was deeply humbling to meet the family… I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case.” Notably, the individual implicated in Wanjiru’s death remains at large, residing with his family in southern England. Meanwhile, the Kenyan prosecutor has stated that the investigation into the murder is complete and they are in the process of evaluating the evidence.

The recent arrest of a British soldier in Kenya over rape allegations raises significant concerns not only about the actions of personnel stationed abroad but also about the systemic issues within military oversight. The ongoing investigations into both this current case and the unresolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru show the pressing need for accountability and reform in the military’s handling of such serious allegations. Family members of past victims seek justice and wonder about the future conduct of troops in Kenya, reflecting a growing need for change in the British military’s interactions with host nations.

Original Source: www.lbc.co.uk