The UK government has agreed to pay £2.9 million in compensation to over 7,000 residents in the Lolldaiga Hills, Kenya, following a landmark ruling that held the British Army accountable for a devastating wildfire started by its soldiers in 2021. The out-of-court settlement marks a significant breakthrough in Western military accountability in Africa, as it sets a precedent for future claims and redefines diplomatic and military accountability in host countries.
The wildfire, which erupted during a joint drill between British and Kenyan forces, destroyed parts of a protected conservancy and left behind explosive material that injured locals. The fire also caused toxic fumes, leading to health issues, including respiratory complications and damaged eyesight, among the residents. An environmental assessment presented in court revealed that the damage would take between 30 and 50 years to recover from.
The case sparked outrage after a British soldier appeared to admit responsibility in a social media post, prompting a formal investigation by the Royal Military Police. The British Army had initially argued that it had immunity from trial in Kenyan courts, but this claim was rejected by Kenya’s High Court Judge Kossy Bor, who ruled that the UK lost absolute immunity against trial in local courts when it entered into a defense treaty with Kenya.
While the settlement has been welcomed by some as a significant step towards accountability, others have expressed disappointment over the compensation amounts, which work out to as little as £129 per person. The nearly 8,000 Kenyans who filed a class-action suit had initially requested £575 million in damages, nearly 200 times the amount eventually awarded. Local resident Charles Ndungu, whose home was closest to the affected area, expressed shock at the low compensation, stating that he suffered significant damages from the smoke and helped put out the fire.
The Lolldaiga community has vowed to continue pushing for transparency and justice, with plans to meet soon to discuss further steps. The case has significant implications for military accountability in Africa and sets a precedent for future claims. Compensation payments have been dispatched, according to a lawyer representing the victims, bringing some measure of relief to the affected communities. The settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for military forces to take responsibility for their actions, particularly in host countries.
