Nearly 1000 local residents who lived near or inside Lolldaiga conservancy in central Kenya are suing the British Army for the fire that burnt 12,000 acres if the ranch causing extensive damage.
One person had also died in the March fire in which it is believed was started by some rogue British army officers.
“Two months in Kenya later and we’ve only got eight days left. Been good, caused a fire, killed an elephant and feel terrible about it but hey-ho, when in Rome,” One British soldier allegedly wrote in a Snapchat post.
Linus Murangiri was crushed to death by a vehicle as he rushed to help put out a fire.
The British army was conducting a training exercise in the animal sanctuary.
The African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action wants BATUK and Lolldaiga conservancy to compensate surrounding communities for environmental damage
Although there is no suggestion the British army was directly involved in the death of Mr Murangiri , his widow has now told the BBC she wants a speedy investigation into how her husband died and the cause of the fire, and for the findings to be made public.
The official cause of the fire has not been made public but the incident nor Mr Linus Muranguris’ death was acknowledged.
In the environmental lawsuit brought by a lobby group and almost 1,000 local residents; residents say the scale of the wildfire at the conservancy was unprecedented – they say it lasted for at least four days as thick plumes of smoke filled the sky, making it impossible to move.
They say it smelt like a barbeque, although the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has denied claims that five elephants and a calf were killed.
Some elderly people say they suffered burning eyes, while local preacher Duncan Kariuki, 43, said his one-year-old child had to be hospitalised for smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission said the army had conducted an internal investigation into the fire but because “this is part of an ongoing court case, it would be inappropriate to comment any further”.
The privately-owned Lolldaiga conservancy in central Kenya, home to animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, hyenas, jackals and the endangered Grevy’s zebra.
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