Defence Secretary Engages with Family of Kenyan Woman Allegedly Murdered by British Soldiers
Agnes Wanjiru's family expresses frustration over long-standing pursuit of justice following her tragic death.
The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly killed by British soldiers in 2012, has expressed deep frustration over their prolonged quest for justice.
Wanjiru, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance in March 2012, was last seen in a bar with British soldiers in Nanyuki, where the British Army training unit, BATUK, is stationed.
Her body was discovered two months later, concealed in a septic tank at the Lion's Court hotel.
A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2017 that Wanjiru had been murdered by one or more British soldiers.
Subsequent developments in the case included the identification of a suspect by fellow soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who alleged that the suspected perpetrator confessed to the crime.
In a recent statement, Kenyan prosecutors confirmed that a file regarding the case had been submitted following police investigations.
The director of public prosecutions (DPP) stated, “The DPP has constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of the file,” underscoring a commitment to achieving justice despite the lengthy timeframe involved.
During a visit to Kenya, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru's family and reaffirmed the UK government’s support for the ongoing investigation.
Healey's previous position as shadow defence secretary saw him advocate for more action on behalf of Wanjiru’s family, stressing the importance of accountability and justice.
Kenyan law enforcement officials have traveled to the UK to interview potential witnesses and suspects as part of the investigation, yet no charges have yet been filed.
Last year, the British Army announced its own inquiry into the conduct of its personnel at BATUK in response to allegations of misconduct by soldiers stationed in Kenya.
Healey indicated his intention to meet with Kenyan President William Ruto to further discuss the case.
He emphasized the importance of progressing the investigation and expressed respect for the family's perseverance throughout their long struggle for justice.
Following the meeting, Wanjiru’s family acknowledged the toll that their loss has taken on them but expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for renewed governmental action.
They referred to the enduring impact of Agnes's death on their lives, highlighting the emotional strain caused by both her tragic loss and the protracted fight for accountability.
The family reiterated their hopes that discussions with UK authorities would lead to concrete actions ensuring a full investigation into Wanjiru’s death and the establishment of safeguards against such incidents in the future.
Wanjiru, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance in March 2012, was last seen in a bar with British soldiers in Nanyuki, where the British Army training unit, BATUK, is stationed.
Her body was discovered two months later, concealed in a septic tank at the Lion's Court hotel.
A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2017 that Wanjiru had been murdered by one or more British soldiers.
Subsequent developments in the case included the identification of a suspect by fellow soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who alleged that the suspected perpetrator confessed to the crime.
In a recent statement, Kenyan prosecutors confirmed that a file regarding the case had been submitted following police investigations.
The director of public prosecutions (DPP) stated, “The DPP has constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of the file,” underscoring a commitment to achieving justice despite the lengthy timeframe involved.
During a visit to Kenya, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru's family and reaffirmed the UK government’s support for the ongoing investigation.
Healey's previous position as shadow defence secretary saw him advocate for more action on behalf of Wanjiru’s family, stressing the importance of accountability and justice.
Kenyan law enforcement officials have traveled to the UK to interview potential witnesses and suspects as part of the investigation, yet no charges have yet been filed.
Last year, the British Army announced its own inquiry into the conduct of its personnel at BATUK in response to allegations of misconduct by soldiers stationed in Kenya.
Healey indicated his intention to meet with Kenyan President William Ruto to further discuss the case.
He emphasized the importance of progressing the investigation and expressed respect for the family's perseverance throughout their long struggle for justice.
Following the meeting, Wanjiru’s family acknowledged the toll that their loss has taken on them but expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for renewed governmental action.
They referred to the enduring impact of Agnes's death on their lives, highlighting the emotional strain caused by both her tragic loss and the protracted fight for accountability.
The family reiterated their hopes that discussions with UK authorities would lead to concrete actions ensuring a full investigation into Wanjiru’s death and the establishment of safeguards against such incidents in the future.
