Activists petition Kenyan Parliament over unratified Kenya-UK defense agreement, demand jurisdiction over British soldiers
via Tuko3 min read
Activists and families of victims have submitted a petition to the Kenyan Parliament, state agencies, the British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK, and the UK Ministry of Defence, demanding that Kenyan courts be granted jurisdiction over British soldiers. This action follows a public meeting on June 20 and addresses the unratified Kenya-UK defense agreement, which has been in limbo since 2021 due to disputes over jurisdiction rights. Petitioners are calling for independent investigations into past cases, including the 2012 killing of Agnes Wanjiru, compensation for victims, formal recognition and child support for children abandoned by British soldiers in Laikipia, an environmental audit of training grounds, and the publication of the agreement before its conclusion. Lawyers and activists argue that the current legal framework is a "colonial relic" that prioritizes diplomatic relations over the lives of Kenyan citizens. The National Assembly's defense committee has previously recommended amendments to give Kenyan courts wider jurisdiction over foreign troops, and its chairman, Nelson Koech, has publicly called for an end to the immunity British soldiers enjoy.
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Felix Omondi, 36, who was born with sickle cell disease, the same condition that claimed his elder brother's life, is now facing critical health challenges. After five years of battling chronic kidney disease, his creatinine levels have surged past 1,000 碌mol/L, necessitating emergency dialysis. Doctors have indicated that a kidney transplant is Felix's best chance for survival, as blood transfusions are not a sustainable long-term solution due to associated risks. His kidneys have also stopped producing enough erythropoietin, further complicating his condition. The transplant is scheduled for August 2026 at Aga Khan University Hospital. Felix and his family are currently raising KSh 5,000,000 to cover the costs of the surgery, hospital bills, medication, and post-transplant care. Despite a lifetime of pain crises and hospital admissions, Felix remains determined, stating, "I have never stopped believing that tomorrow could be better." Those wishing to contribute can do so via M-Pesa Paybill Number 4816197, using their name as the account reference. Further information is available by contacting +254 715 788 383.
Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi stated that his net salary for June was KSh 1,800 due to loan repayments and other deductions. During a Monday interview, Wamumbi described MPs and Members of County Assemblies as among Kenya's poorest individuals. He mentioned transferring the KSh 1,800 to his M-Pesa account to buy beef and bread, and that he shares earnings with his wife, Betty Maina, the Murang'a woman representative. This claim contrasts with the public perception of generous compensation for elected officials, who earn a basic monthly salary of KSh 710,000 before deductions. To supplement his income, Wamumbi revealed he operates a poultry business, selling eggs and other products. His remarks have circulated on social media, prompting questions from Kenyans given that MPs have historically resisted salary cuts.
Must ReadThe Law Society of Kenya LSK has released a list of judges and judicial officers that advocates are instructed to boycott in a targeted action starting Thursday, July 23, 2026. This follows a planned nationwide general boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. LSK President Charles Kanjama signed and published the notice on Monday, July 20, 2026. The targeted boycott will continue indefinitely until court orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission JSC, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI are set aside. The list includes all six Supreme Court judges: Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Justice Smokin Wanjala, Justice Njoki Ndung'u, and Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, who are linked to suspended or stopped JSC processes. Other judicial officers named in Section A are Justice Anthony Ombwayo, Justice Lucas Naikuni, Justice Sankale Ole Kantai, Justice Lucy Waithaka, Hon. Stella Atambo, and Lady Justice Dora Chepkwony. Justice Josephine Mong'are is named in Section B, linked to suspended or stopped EACC and DCI investigations. The LSK's action stems from persistent allegations of corruption, judicial misconduct, abuse of office, and unethical conduct by certain judicial officers, following months of engagement with the Judiciary that, according to Kanjama, yielded little progress.