British High Commissioner in Nairobi John Matt has assured Kenya that the British government is investigating all allegations of atrocities committed by their soldiers.

Among the allegations are incidents of murder, sexual abuse, racism and human rights violations.

Speaking in Nanyuki during the commissioning of a dining-hall built for Temakis Comprehensive School by the British Army, Matt reassured the Kenyan government of Britain’s commitment to cooperate in the ongoing human and environmental injustices allegedly committed by British soldiers.

“We take the allegations and events incredibly seriously; we are the first to acknowledge that people have been abused; some have lost their lives; the environment has been damaged and the standards have not been as high as we would have wanted historically,” the high commissioner acknowledged.

He pointed out that London is committed to ensuring cooperation with Nairobi on these cases.

“We take every event, every action seriously and we are investigating. It is our obligation and commitment to these communities to ensure that we investigate, review, redress and offer support the community needs,” Matt said.

The envoy gave the assurance that the British government was keen in fostering good relations with the communities where they conduct their activities.

His reassurance comes at a time the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) faces backlash from communities in Laikipia and Samburu counties that include murder and destruction of the environment.

BATUK construction of a dining-hall at the school is one among several other Community Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes it has been carrying out in areas around their training camp in Nanyuki.

“It’s these communities that are of importance and we take that responsibility to be a close and active member of these communities as well as good neighbours profoundly seriously,” the high commissioner promised.

At the same time, he pointed out that Kenya is their anchor security and defence partner on the African continent, hence BATUK is a strategic asset for both countries.

Matt revealed that the meeting with both the Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and the county administration identified areas of priorities for the communities in the devolved unit.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Muturi Mwangi