Belgut MP and Chair of the National Assembly's Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee, Nelson Koech, has clarified Parliament's role in the Kenya–United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Agreement amid recent controversy.

In a statement released on Sunday, Koech dismissed claims by some politicians accusing the committee of improper involvement in treaty negotiations, describing these allegations as "misleading and unfounded." He emphasized that the constitutional and legal mandate for treaty negotiation lies exclusively with the National Executive through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence.

"Parliament's responsibility begins only after Cabinet approval, when treaties are submitted to the National Assembly for scrutiny," Koech explained. He noted that the committee's role is strictly to review agreements on behalf of the public, provide recommendations, and facilitate parliamentary debate and ratification.

Highlighting the committee’s recent work, Koech said it conducted a comprehensive two-year inquiry into the operations of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), culminating in a detailed report tabled in November 2025. The report recommended ratifying the defence pact with stringent accountability conditions, including:

  • Kenyan courts having jurisdiction over serious offenses by visiting British troops
  • Cooperation with Kenyan criminal investigations and parliamentary probes
  • Environmental safeguards and welfare obligations
  • Enhanced protections for host communities

Koech underscored that issues such as legal jurisdiction and accountability, especially following the murder of Agnes Wanjiru, were thoroughly examined and informed the committee’s recommendations.

He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to its longstanding defence partnership with the UK, which has bolstered counter-terrorism efforts and defence capacity. However, Koech stressed that the partnership must be founded on equality, respect for Kenyan law, and genuine accountability.

The clarification comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused some committee members of soliciting a Sh3 billion bribe from the UK related to the defence pact, allegations which Koech strongly refuted.