MPs ask British soldiers to return abducted Kenyan boy injured by bomb

Samburu Women Representative Maison Leshomo addresses the media at Parliament on Wednesday 27/08/14 on the conflicts in the area. [PHOTO/BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

Two legislators from Samburu County have petitioned the UK government to help in tracing a boy allegedly abducted by British soldiers currently training in the region.

Samburu Woman Representative Maison Leshomo (pictured) and her Samburu East counterpart Raphael Letimalo demanded that the soldiers disclose the whereabouts of 10-year-old Ekisonga Nyasasai, who sustained severe injuries when a bomb that was left unattended went off. The leaders said the residents’ lives were at risk on account of bombs left unattended by the soldiers training in the area. According to the two lawmakers, the boy was abducted from a local hospital. Leshomo demanded the immediate disclosure of the boy’s whereabouts.  The MPs want outgoing British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner to intervene and ensure the boy is found.

“The soldiers did not even consult anyone or seek transfer permission from the hospital. Since November 7, the parents have been unable to trace their missing son,” said Letimalo.

The MP questioned why the soldiers went out of their jurisdiction to gain access to the health facility where the boy was being treated. “Why would the British soldiers pick an injured minor from hospital without official authorisation? What is the motive?” questioned the legislator. Our efforts to get a response from a British High Commission media officer, Joy Odero, were unsuccessful.

Leshomo accused the soldiers of being careless during training devices.

“Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers who visited the area confirmed that there are bombs left unexploded and they do not belong to them. Sadly, they also did not do anything to arrest the situation,” lamented Leshomo.

She now wants KDF to oversee the training of British soldiers in the area.

“The British government should take full responsibility of the happenings and foot the medical bill of the minor,” said Leshomo.

The two leaders said the soldiers’ training infringes on the livelihood of residents. “When these bombs are detonated, they pollute the environment and expose residents to dangers of communicable diseases and even cancer.”

The legislators, who spoke at Standard offices yesterday, want the Government to ensure all military activities in the area  are within the gazetted 80,000 hectares.