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The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman believed to have been murdered by British soldiers, has voiced the emotional and psychological toll experienced during their lengthy quest for justice. After a recent meeting with the UK Defence Secretary, they expressed frustration over a series of unfulfilled promises and the prolonged nature of their ordeal.
Wanjiru was just 21 years old when she went missing in March 2012. Her last known whereabouts were at a bar in a hotel located in Nanyuki, Kenya, home to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). Two months later, her remains were discovered in a septic tank at the Lion’s Court hotel, a discovery that shocked the local community.
An inquest conducted in Kenya revealed six years ago that Wanjiru had been murdered, implicating British soldiers in her death. In 2021, new developments came to light when a soldier from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment testified, alleging that a fellow serviceman confessed to killing Wanjiru and showed him her body in the septic tank.
Recently, prosecutors in Kenya announced that they have completed their police investigations and have submitted a file for further legal consideration. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has tasked a team of senior prosecutors to review the case comprehensively, stating their commitment to achieving justice for Wanjiru’s family despite the significant time that has passed.
During a visit to Kenya, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru’s family and underscored his resolve to see this case resolved. He assured them of the UK’s full support in the ongoing investigation. Healey, who has previously advocated for more action regarding Wanjiru’s case, noted that Kenyan prosecutors have traveled to the UK to interview relevant witnesses and suspects, although no formal charges have yet been filed.
The British Army had also initiated an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by troops stationed at BATUK, responding to serious claims of misbehavior among service personnel deployed in Kenya. Healey mentioned that he intends to discuss Wanjiru’s case further with Kenyan President William Ruto, emphasizing the need for an expedited resolution.
Reflecting on their struggles during the meeting with Healey, Wanjiru’s family articulated the profound loss they have endured. They highlighted not only the shock of losing Agnes at such a young age but also the lasting psychological impact stemming from the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
“While we appreciate the meeting with the Defence Secretary, we have faced too many years of waiting and too many empty assurances,” the family expressed. They conveyed hope that their discussion with Healey might signal the beginning of meaningful progress from the UK government and the Ministry of Defence. They urged for a thorough investigation into Wanjiru’s death, both in Kenya and the UK, with the hope that such a tragedy never happens again. “We expect our calls for justice to be met with concrete actions,” they concluded.
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