Kenya delays ratification of UK defence deal over accountability concerns, BATUK training moves outside Kenya
via Tuko6 min read
Kenya has delayed the ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement DCA with the UK government, signed in 2021, due to concerns over human rights violations and accountability for British soldiers. Kenyan lawmakers are pushing for changes that would allow British soldiers to be prosecuted in Kenyan courts for crimes committed in the country, a point of contention as the UK seeks to retain primary jurisdiction over its troops. This delay follows years of petitions from human rights advocates and victims, including the unresolved murder case of Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly by a British soldier. The 2021 DCA was intended to replace a 2015 agreement but remains unratified. Georgina Woodhouse-Hills, Head of Communications for Kenya and Somalia at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the agreement and stated that the UK government is working closely with Kenya. However, due to the unratified agreement and lack of renewed licenses, the British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK has relocated some of its planned military training outside Kenya.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Migori governor Ochilo Ayacko has drawn criticism for a public statement expressing sadness over the murder conviction of his predecessor, former Migori governor Okoth Obado, without acknowledging the victim's family. Ayacko posted on Facebook on Thursday, July 23, the same day the High Court found Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori county clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of masterminding the 2018 killing of university student Sharon Otieno. In his statement, Ayacko described Obado's conviction as "a painful moment for all of us" and extended his "thoughts and prayers" to the families of the three convicted men, praying for their "strength, grace and courage." He made no mention of Sharon Otieno or her family. Kenyans online reacted negatively, questioning why the governor focused solely on the convicted men's families. Commenters highlighted Ayacko's profession as a lawyer when challenging his statement's tone. Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that Obado masterminded the murder by providing motive, planning, and financing. The court found that all three accused acted with common intention in planning, executing, and concealing the killing. Following the verdict, the court cancelled their bond terms and ordered their remand pending sentencing, with pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports to be prepared within 21 days.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI have dismantled two suspected sexual exploitation operations in Kiserian and Ongata Rongai, rescuing a total of 48 women. In Ongata Rongai's Rimpa area, officers raided a house and found 30 women, aged 19 to 27, allegedly involved in producing obscene content. Seven laptops with cameras and other production equipment were recovered, and the suspects were taken to Ongata Rongai Police Station. In a separate operation in Kiserian, 18 women were rescued after being lured with false promises of domestic work and then allegedly forced into sexual exploitation. Mobile phones and laptops were seized as exhibits, though a key suspect in the Kiserian case remains at large. The DCI confirmed that the rescued women will receive comprehensive support services, including psychosocial counseling and medical care, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing a surge in arrivals, with Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reporting strong numbers across major entry points. Mombasa alone welcomed over 20,000 visitors in one week. This increase comes days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advised tourists and foreign investors to avoid Kenya, citing claims of rising lawlessness. Miano stated that these figures demonstrate continued confidence in "Magical Kenya" and provide a significant boost to the local hotel industry, coastal excursions, and regional businesses. She highlighted that the numbers, including domestic, regional, transit, and international travelers, indicate Kenya's growing global appeal and the strength of its tourism trade ahead of the peak season. Miano also promoted Kenya's diverse attractions, from Nairobi's urban safari to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley lakes, and Lake Victoria's Western Circuit, encouraging visitors to explore local cuisine, historic architecture, music, art, and cultural traditions. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting communities reliant on tourism.