英国国防部已取消原定9月在肯尼亚开展的第一兰开斯特公爵营训练计划[1]。这一决定源于肯尼亚政府拒绝批准相关防务协议，肯尼亚议员要求协议内容增加肯尼亚当地当局对英国士兵犯罪的管辖权[1]。
英国国防部发言人表示"必要的执照未能获得"，训练将改在肯尼亚境外进行[1]。肯尼亚国防、情报和外交关系委员会主席Nelson Koech声称两国政府正在积极沟通寻求解决[1]。
肯尼亚方面要求"更强的问责措施，包括对严重犯罪的管辖权、加强对当地社区的保护"[1]。去年肯尼亚议会针对BATUK训练基地的报告曾指控英国士兵存在人权侵犯、环境破坏和性虐待行为[1]。此外，英国士兵Robert Purkiss因2012年Agnes Wanjiru死亡事件被指控谋杀，其引渡听证会定于11月举行[1]。
The UK Ministry of Defence has cancelled a planned training deployment in Kenya after the Kenyan government refused to ratify a defence agreement. [1] The first battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, originally scheduled to begin training in September, will no longer proceed as planned in the country. [1]
The dispute centers on Kenyan demands for expanded prosecutorial authority over British soldiers. [1] Kenya's parliamentary committee overseeing defence, intelligence and foreign relations has called for "stronger accountability measures, including jurisdiction over serious crimes and enhanced protections for local communities." [1] A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that "the necessary clearances were not obtained" and the training will now take place outside Kenya. [1]
Nelson Koech, chairman of Kenya's Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, indicated that both governments are actively communicating to resolve their differences. [1]
The tensions reflect broader concerns about British military conduct in the country. Last year, a Kenyan parliamentary report on the BATUK base — where British forces train — alleged that British soldiers have committed human rights violations, environmental damage, and sexual abuse. [1] The case of Robert Purkiss, a British soldier accused of murder in connection with Agnes Wanjiru's death in 2012, has further complicated relations; an extradition hearing is scheduled for November. [1]