Nairobi — The UK has denied responsibility for the torture suffered by five Mau Mau veterans during the colonial period, a human rights activist said on Monday.

Kenya Human Rights Commission director Muthoni Wanyeki said the UK has denied responsibility over the torture said to have been committed more than 40 years ago on the basis of time.

"This is ridiculous. They cannot say they are not responsible over a mere technicality," Ms Wanyeki said.

The British Government cannot deny that the torture actually occurred "in the face of the overwhelming evidence", she added.

While citing documented evidence, the human rights activist said the former Kenyan colonialists were fully aware of the torture.

She cited systematic use of violence and "violent shocks" on detainees authorised in letters between then secretary of state for the colonies and the governor of Kenya.

The claim indicates widespread interference by British authorities in criminal investigations into allegations of abuse and torture of Kenyans.