"If entrusted with govt": Muturi explains what Opposition would do with BATUK

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Justin Muturi says a United Opposition government would review the Kenya-UK defence agreement and push for greater accountability over BATUK operations

- The former Attorney General says British soldiers accused of crimes in Kenya should face effective legal accountability

- Muturi has also questioned why the government cancelled BATUK licences on July 23 before renewing them just five days later

Kenya’s civil society groups, human rights advocates and victims of alleged violations linked to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) are still pushing for their concerns to be addressed amid ongoing discussions on the ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the UK.

Attention has consequently turned to the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, alongside other legislators tasked with addressing concerns raised by the various groups.

The Kenyan government recently issued the licences and approvals required for BATUK to resume operations after a standoff forced the UK to redeploy its soldiers to train elsewhere.

The unit, which operates under the DCA, has faced growing controversy in Kenya amid allegations of misconduct, human rights violations and environmental damage.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Democratic Party (DP) leader and United Opposition member Justin Muturi explained how the opposition would approach the BATUK issue if it takes over government after the 2027 General Election.

How would the United Opposition handle BATUK?

Muturi said the United Opposition would not seek to end Kenya’s defence partnership with the UK but would push for an arrangement founded on mutual respect, equality and full adherence to the constitution.

He said BATUK had become controversial because many Kenyans believe the current agreement disproportionately protects one side while exposing Kenyan citizens and communities to unacceptable risks.

“If entrusted with government, we would undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Cooperation Agreement in consultation with Parliament, affected communities, security experts, civil society and our British counterparts,” Muturi said.

The former Attorney General said defence partnerships with other countries must ultimately serve Kenya’s national interests.

According to Muturi, BATUK could continue operating in Kenya, but only under an agreement that guarantees environmental responsibility, respect for human rights and fair compensation.

He also called for transparency and equal obligations on both sides whenever harm occurs.

“Our objective would be to transform BATUK into a genuinely equal partnership rather than one that leaves Kenyans questioning whether justice applies equally,” he said.

Would Muturi push for changes to the DCA?

Muturi said the United Opposition would push Britain to accept amendments to the defence agreement to ensure soldiers found guilty of crimes are held accountable under Kenyan law.

He argued that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law and that no individual, whether Kenyan or foreign, should enjoy immunity where serious crimes have allegedly been committed on Kenyan soil.

The former Attorney General said the government should give greater attention to concerns raised over the years by Parliament, victims’ families and civil society organisations.

“Justice cannot depend on nationality or diplomatic convenience. Any revised agreement should contain clear provisions guaranteeing prompt investigations, cooperation with Kenyan authorities and effective legal accountability,” Muturi said.

He stressed that the proposed changes would not be aimed at targeting British soldiers but at ensuring Kenya’s bilateral relationship reflects modern standards of justice and mutual respect.

“Strong partnerships are built on accountability, not exemptions. If British personnel operate in Kenya, they should do so knowing that the rule of law applies equally to everyone,” he added.

When could BATUK be asked to leave?

Muturi said the opposition would prioritise dialogue and negotiated solutions, arguing that both Kenya and the UK benefit from their defence cooperation.

However, he said a future United Opposition government would consider other options if Britain rejected an agreement that adequately protects Kenyan citizens and upholds the Constitution.

“If, after genuine negotiations, Britain were unwilling to accept an agreement that adequately protects Kenya’s constitutional principles, legal system and citizens, then we would have to consider all available options,” he stated.

Muturi maintained that a foreign military presence in Kenya was not an entitlement, arguing that such partnerships exist only with the consent of the Kenyan people through their government.

He said the United Opposition would seek a fair agreement with Britain but would not compromise Kenya’s sovereignty if negotiations failed.

“Our first objective would be to reach a fair agreement, but if that proves impossible, Kenya must retain the sovereign right to determine whether foreign forces should continue operating within its territory,” he added.

Why did Muturi question BATUK licenses?

Muturi also questioned the government’s decision to cancel BATUK military exercises on July 23, 2026, before issuing the required licences just five days later on July 28.

He said the administration should explain the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and subsequent renewal of the licences.

According to Muturi, the sequence raised questions about transparency and the decision-making process surrounding BATUK’s operations.

“If there were genuine legal or policy concerns that justified withholding the licences on July 23, the public deserves to know what changed within five days. Were Parliament’s recommendations implemented? Were affected communities consulted? Were environmental, legal and accountability issues resolved? Or was the decision influenced by external diplomatic considerations?” he asked.

Muturi said the government must be transparent when making decisions affecting Kenya’s sovereignty, including those involving BATUK operations.

He maintained that the DCA should be implemented transparently, with Parliament properly informed and citizens assured that national interests, rather than external pressure, guide government policy.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.