Kenya has launched public hearings into allegations of human rights violations and abuses of power by British troops based in the former colony.
The sessions between Tuesday and Thursday this week will “investigate the allegations of human rights violations, including mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, killings”, a circular issued by the lower house of parliament said. London and Nairobi have been at odds over the question of jurisdiction for British soldiers who break Kenyan law, with the UK government saying previously that it did not accept the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court probing Wanjiru’s death.
The start of the public hearings coincided with a visit by Britain’s minister of state for development and Africa,On Thursday, the British mission said high commissioner Neil Wigan had met Wanjiru’s family, who have long demanded justice over her killing.Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters“The meeting provided an opportunity for the high commissioner to listen to the family and offer his condolences.