Revealed: British troopers in Kenya are compelled into having unprotected intercourse with prostitutes in ‘coin-tossing’ initiation ceremonies to show how ‘courageous’ they’re – sparking fears infantrymen might contract HIV/Aids

British troopers coaching in Kenya have carried out initiation ceremonies wherein youthful recruits are compelled into having unprotected intercourse with prostitutes, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Senior troopers allegedly toss a coin to find out whether or not the squaddie wears a condom, to show how ‘courageous’ they’re.

The claims have alarmed defence chiefs due to the excessive charges of HIV/Aids in Kenya, the place it impacts one in 20 individuals.

Round 10,000 British troops are deployed to Kenya yearly to hold out stay firing workouts for as much as eight weeks.

On their return, troopers had been quizzed on the usage of prostitutes, who grasp round exterior the bottom, for a research which has been revealed within the British Medical Journal Army Well being.

On their return, troopers had been quizzed on the usage of prostitutes, who grasp round exterior the bottom, for a research which has been revealed within the British Medical Journal Army Well being. (Inventory Picture)

One soldier, who is just not recognized, instructed the Ministry of Defence: ‘When this unit deploys on train [to the British Army Training Unit Kenya], they’ve an initiation ceremony for all the brand new troopers who have not deployed to Kenya earlier than. 

‘The extra senior troopers would flip a coin – heads you could possibly use a condom, tails you could possibly not.’

The report, written by the Defence Medical Providers, reveals that though a information to sexual well being is issued on arrival within the East African nation, the variety of troopers in search of assist for associated illnesses elevated in contrast with UK-based troops. 

It additionally discovered {that a} third of infantrymen couldn’t bear in mind being given the recommendation.

5 per cent of Kenya’s inhabitants is HIV-positive in contrast with 0.2 per cent within the UK.

The report stated the chance of catching a sexually transmitted illness from a prostitute not solely has the potential to cut back the operational effectiveness of the unit but additionally presents a ‘international reputational danger’.

Former Military intelligence officer Philip Ingram criticised the army management over the incidents. ‘Sexual well being is part of annual coaching for all service personnel,’ he stated. 

‘To listen to that troopers are being compelled into some type of sexual initiation ceremony… the place HIV charges are very excessive, shocks me to the core. [It] as soon as once more highlights a failure in management and that the tradition within the Military continues to be essentially damaged.’

The report warned of a rising use of prostitutes near the British base in Nanyuki, Kenya, with some companies even supplied at barber retailers, as revealed by a senior officer who had gone for a trim.

‘When the haircut was full, he was ushered in direction of a again room and proven plenty of feminine intercourse staff,’ the report stated. ‘The barber then requested if he would really like any ‘additional companies.’ ‘

The officer instructed how he was shocked at how all of a sudden the occasions unfolded, and stated he associated the encounter to display to different troopers the shut proximity of intercourse staff and to advise troopers on ‘the way to politely decline any comparable affords’.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman stated: ‘All sexual exercise which includes the abuse of energy, together with shopping for intercourse whether or not within the UK or overseas, is prohibited.

‘We’re dedicated to stopping sexual exploitation in any type.’