King Charles' Kenya Visit: Lolldaiga Fire Victims Lament Delay in Compensation

The victims of the Lolldaiga fire are now seeking resolution for their compensation claims through mediation.

The contentious fire was allegedly caused by British soldiers in Laikipia County in 2021. More than 5,000 Kenyans have lodged complaints against the Inter-Government Liaison Committee (IGLC), alleging that they have been unduly delaying proceedings to grant compensation for damages caused by the devastating fire, which led to health concerns, loss of livestock, and widespread damage that affected the environment. These claimants have been struggling to receive compensation from the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) for more than two years, ever since they filed a lawsuit.

The Environment and Land Court in Nanyuki broadly recommended leaving compensation matters to the IGLC and hailed the prospect of mediation. Due to frustratingly sluggish progress by the IGLC, the plaintiffs are now keen on developing an interest in seeking alternative solutions for compensation procedures. On Mashujaa Day, a group of fire victims assembled at Jua Kali Shopping Centre to voice their frustration concerning the IGLC's demand for a new validation process before administering compensation. The residents suggested utilizing the mediation process previously employed to compensate the Mau Mau freedom fighters.

During the meeting, the claimants expressed their grievances, stating that over 100 of their colleagues had tragically passed away while awaiting compensation. In a show of solidarity, 500 representatives from the community intend to march and deliver a petition to the British High Commission in Nairobi, just a day before the anticipated visit of King Charles III to Kenya. It is worth noting that the British monarch's itinerary excludes Laikipia County.

According to a lawsuit lodged by the advocacy organization ACCPA (African Centre for Corrective and Forensic Action), the fire which burned over 7,000 acres of natural montane vegetation expelled hazardous chemicals and TNT into the air. Speaking to the claimants, Director James Mwangi of the ACCPA said that despite the British government initially promising to issue compensation, uncertainties abound due to unspecified individuals in powerful positions delaying the process.