Nelson Koech, chairperson of the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, has defended Parliament's decision to closely examine the proposed Kenya-United Kingdom defence cooperation agreement.
Koech emphasized that while Kenya values its longstanding military partnership with the UK, concerns about alleged human rights violations and environmental damage linked to British troops' training exercises must be addressed before the agreement is ratified.
Key Issues Under Review
- Allegations include environmental degradation and serious incidents such as the death of Agnes Wanjiru, a case that continues to cloud bilateral relations.
- The accused individual in the Wanjiru case has not yet been repatriated to face trial despite a court ruling.
- Parliament's focus is on ensuring accountability for foreign troops operating in Kenya, not on hindering military cooperation.
Impact on Military Activities
The delay in ratifying the agreement has affected scheduled training exercises, including those involving the UK's Duke of Lancaster Regiment, which commenced in September.
Koech disclosed that he has engaged directly with officials from the British High Commission in Nairobi to resolve the impasse and restore smooth cooperation.
Commitment to Mutual Respect
He stressed that future defence cooperation must respect Kenya's constitution, uphold human rights, and ensure legal accountability. Koech described the partnership as beneficial to both countries but insisted on a framework founded on mutual respect and the rule of law.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has affirmed that the defence partnership remains intact and that the updated agreement is still undergoing parliamentary approval.
