UK minister meets Agnes Wanjiru's family, 13 years after her death

Thirteen years after the brutal death of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki, the family of the 21-year-old has finally come face-to-face with a senior official from the British government.

According to a statement by the British High Commission in Nairobi, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met members of Wanjiru’s family yesterday, expressing condolences and committing to support efforts aimed at securing justice.

“This was the first time a UK government minister has met with the family,” the statement reads.

During the meeting in Nairobi, Healey conveyed the UK’s willingness to cooperate with Kenyan authorities and pledged continued support in the quest for accountability.

“It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice. I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case,” said Healey.

He stated that the UK would persist in assisting Kenyan investigators, referencing past collaborative efforts, including visits by both Kenyan investigators to the UK and the British Provost Marshal to Kenya.

“In my meeting with President William Ruto later today, I will emphasise the need to accelerate progress in this case,” Healey said.

Wanjiru’s death in 2012 remains one of the most haunting and unresolved cases involving a foreign military in Kenya.

The young woman disappeared after being seen at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki in the company of British soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Her body was discovered weeks later, naked and dumped in a septic tank behind the hotel.

A post-mortem revealed she had suffered blunt force trauma, but due to the advanced decomposition of her body, it was unclear if she had been sexually assaulted. While a 2019 inquest in Kenya found that she had been unlawfully killed by British soldiers, no arrests have ever been made.

Her family welcomed the engagement with the UK Defence Secretary but voiced frustration at the pace of justice.

“The death of our beloved Wanjiru has had a profound and devastating impact on our family.

‘‘It was not only the shock of losing Wanjiru at such a young age, but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found, and all the trauma and struggle our family has been put through,” the family stated.

Present at the meeting were Wanjiru’s relatives, including Rose Wanyua, Fracia Ngina, Lydia Wanjiku, Esther Njoki, and two minors. Also in attendance was British High Commissioner Neil Wigan.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a statement indicating a renewed legal review of the case. The statement noted that a team of prosecutors has been appointed to examine the findings and provide legal advice.

“The DPP acknowledges the significant time that has elapsed in this matter and remains fully committed to ensuring justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiru,” the statement read.