National Assembly Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech has explained why this year’s joint military training between Kenya and the United Kingdom will no longer take place in Kenya. His statement comes after political claims linked the cancellation to alleged bribery demands.
Highlights
- Nelson Koech says legal and accountability concerns led to the delay.
- The UK announced the 2026 exercise will be held outside Kenya.
- Parliament had recommended stricter rules for foreign troops operating in Kenya.
- Koech dismissed claims that bribery influenced the decision.
- Rigathi Gachagua had alleged the deal stalled over corruption demands.
Main Story
Koech Explains Parliament’s Position
Nelson Koech has clarified that the decision to relocate the 2026 Exercise Haraka Storm outside Kenya was driven by unresolved legal and accountability issues not politics.
According to Koech, Parliament has been pushing for stronger safeguards governing foreign military personnel operating in Kenya, including clear legal jurisdiction, accountability for crimes, and greater protection for local communities.
Agnes Wanjiru Case Influenced Debate
Koech said concerns surrounding the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, which has been linked to British soldiers attached to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), also played a significant role in Parliament’s review of the defence agreement.
He noted that after a two-year inquiry, the committee tabled a report before the National Assembly in November 2025 recommending that any future agreements should guarantee Kenyan courts the authority to handle serious offences involving visiting troops, while also strengthening cooperation in criminal investigations and protecting affected communities.
Kenya Wants Equal Partnership
Koech emphasized that Kenya values its long-standing defence partnership with the United Kingdom, particularly in counter-terrorism and military cooperation.
However, he maintained that the relationship must be based on mutual respect, equality, and full compliance with Kenyan laws, adding that accountability cannot be compromised.
Gachagua Makes Bribery Allegations
The clarification follows claims by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that the military exercise was cancelled because of a bribery demand involving senior government officials.
Gachagua claimed that Members of Parliament on the Defence Committee demanded billions of shillings to facilitate the renewal of the agreement, allegations that have not been supported with evidence and have been rejected by Koech.
Meanwhile, the British Army confirmed that the six-week Exercise Haraka Storm, which has been held in Kenya since 2023, will instead take place in another country after the required approvals were not secured.
As Kenya reviews the terms of foreign military operations within its borders, the debate continues over how to balance international partnerships with national sovereignty and accountability.
