United Opposition would review Kenya-UK defense agreement, says Justin Muturi
Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party and a member of the United Opposition, stated that if the opposition forms the government after the 2027 General Election, it would undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Cooperation Agreement DCA with the UK. Muturi, a former Attorney General, emphasized that while the United Opposition would not seek to end the defense partnership, it would push for an arrangement based on mutual respect, equality, and adherence to the constitution. He noted that the British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK has become controversial due to allegations of misconduct, human rights violations, and environmental damage, with many Kenyans believing the current agreement disproportionately protects one side. Muturi called for amendments to the DCA to ensure British soldiers accused of crimes in Kenya face legal accountability under Kenyan law, arguing that no individual should enjoy immunity for serious crimes committed on Kenyan soil. He also questioned the government's decision to cancel BATUK licenses on July 23, 2026, only to renew them five days later, demanding transparency regarding the decision-making process. Muturi concluded that while dialogue and negotiated solutions would be prioritized, a future United Opposition government would consider other options if Britain rejected an agreement that adequately protects Kenyan citizens and upholds the Constitution, asserting that a foreign military presence is not an entitlement and exists on
