A Kenyan parliamentary inquiry has leveled serious accusations against British soldiers stationed in the country, alleging systematic sexual abuse, unsafe training practices, and environmental violations.

The report, released by Kenya’s defence and foreign relations committee, branded the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) an “occupying force” and called the pattern of misconduct “disturbing.”

The findings detail repeated rape and sexual assault allegations, including the 2012 murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru near Nanyuki. The main suspect, British soldier Robert Purkiss, was arrested in the UK last month and now faces extradition.

The report also cites dozens of children fathered and abandoned by British troops, injuries and deaths among Kenyan workers tasked with clearing unexploded ordnance without adequate safety equipment, and toxic waste dumping that has degraded training grounds.

Communities described soldiers as operating with impunity, fueling anger and mistrust. In response, the UK Ministry of Defence said it “deeply regrets” the issues and expressed willingness to investigate new evidence. BATUK, however, maintains that it enforces a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and complies with Kenyan environmental laws.

The controversy comes as the 2021 defence agreement between Kenya and the UK nears expiration next year, setting the stage for tense renegotiations.

Kenya hosts up to 10,000 British troops annually for training exercises, a partnership worth millions to the local economy but long criticized by activists for its social and environmental impact.