UK soldier arrested over rape allegation in Kenya

A British soldier has been arrested in Kenya, prompting an investigation by the U.K.’s Defence Serious Crime Command, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Sunday.

“We can confirm the arrest of a Service person in Kenya,” the Ministry said in a brief statement.

“As the matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command, we will not comment further.”

The arrest comes under the framework of a U.K.-Kenya defence cooperation agreement, which allows thousands of British troops to train in Kenya each year.

Around 200 U.K. military personnel are stationed in the country on a permanent basis to support the training of Kenyan forces.

However, the presence of British soldiers in Kenya has long sparked controversy. Local residents near the training base in Nanyuki have raised concerns about alleged misconduct by some personnel.

The issue gained international attention in 2012 with the death of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman whose body was discovered in a septic tank after she was last seen leaving a bar with British soldiers.

Her family has consistently called for justice and for the soldier allegedly responsible to face charges.

In April, U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kenya and met with Wanjiru’s family, pledging the government’s commitment to “help the family secure the justice they deserve.”

In response to ongoing concerns, the British Army has launched an inquiry into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by its troops in Kenya.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated its stance, stating that all deployed personnel receive mandatory conduct training and briefings and that it maintains “zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.”