On March 25th 2021, the British Army Unit Kenya (BATUK) caused a massive fire that claimed about 12000 acres of forested land in a conservancy close to Lolldaiga community in Kenya. As a result, more than 5000 members of the Lolldaiga Community, who consist of peasant farmers and local herders who volunteered as fire beaters, have been subjected to unprecedented negative economic and health effects.
To date we have lost more than 35 members due to breathing related complications and reactive airways, with ten children born of pregnant women at the time of the incident, harbouring heart related and blood circulation complexities.
This comes amidst revelations that the British Army has been using dangerous and banned chemicals such as white phosphorus during their training exercises in Kenya.
As a result of their habitat being destroyed, wild animals, including big cats, elephants and buffalos are now roaming the community and further destroying crops and livestock leading to a further loss of livelihood for the farmers and the community.
We humbly appeal for your financial support, to offset medical and legal fees to help the petitioners stand for their environmental rights against the British Army in Kenya.
UPDATE:
On October 3rd 2022, the Environmental and Land Court Judge directed that we should submit claim forms on behalf of the petitioners before the Inter-Governmental Liaison Committee. We have 60 days to make the submissions.
We are initially aiming to raise USD 10,000 to cover a percentage of the legal and medical costs for the Lolldaiga community. Once we have reached this target we will be looking to raise more.
- We're grateful for your support! -
