UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Defence Secretary John Healey met with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman murdered by British soldiers in 2012.
As reported by The Guardian, the family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman killed by British soldiers, has expressed their deep worries. They claim their prolonged 13-year fight for justice has been marked by “empty promises” and a significant emotional toll.
John Healey’s views on Agnes Wanjiru’s murder
In a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, Mr Healey asserted his commitment to addressing the murder of Agnes Wanjiru. He highlighted the need for swift action to fast-track the investigation.
He said,
“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.”
Mr Healy added,
“Our government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve.”
Wanjiru family say about meeting with John Healy?
Following a meeting with John Healey, the family of Agnes Wanjiru stated,
“The death of our beloved Agnes has had a profound and devastating impact on our family.”
They stated,
“It was not only the shock of losing Agnes 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 in trying to seek justice and accountability for her death that has taken a very heavy toll on all of us.”
They said,
“We are grateful to the secretary of state for defence for agreeing to meet with us, but we have waited for too many years and been offered too many empty promises,”
adding,
“We hope that our meeting with the secretary of state marks the beginning of the UK government and Ministry of Defence taking decisive action to ensure that what happened to Agnes is properly investigated in Kenya and the UK and to make sure that what happened to Agnes never happens again.”
The late Agnes family continued,
“We expect the UK and Kenyan governments to act and bring closure to this matter.”
Kenyan prosecutors review Wanjiru case after investigations
Kenyan prosecutors disclosed that after the conclusion of a police investigation, a file has been submitted for review.
The statement noted,
“The DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] has constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of the file,”
adding,
“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.”
Agnes Wanjiru death
Ms Wanjiru, 21, disappeared in March 2012 with British soldiers at a bar in a hotel in Nanyuki, where the British troops had a military base, BATUK. Her case remains unresolved, with unanswered questions and an ongoing investigation.
Two months later, after her disappearance, Agnes Wanjiru’s body was discovered inside a septic tank at the Lion’s Court Hotel. A Kenyan inquest concluded six years ago that she had been murdered by one or more British soldiers.
A suspect was named by soldiers who had been attached to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2021. One soldier said that the killer, a fellow soldier, had confessed on the night of the murder and shown him Wanjiru’s body in a septic tank.