The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly killed by British soldiers, expressed frustration over “too many empty promises” following their meeting with Defence Secretary John Healey.
Wanjiru disappeared in March 2012 after being seen with British soldiers at a Nanyuki hotel near the UK’s BATUK military base. Her body was found two months later in a septic tank. A Kenyan inquest concluded six years ago that she was murdered by one or more British soldiers.
In 2021, soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment named a suspect, with one claiming the alleged killer had confessed and shown him Wanjiru’s body on the night of her death.
Kenyan prosecutors recently announced they’ve assembled a team of senior prosecutors to review the case file, acknowledging the significant time elapsed while affirming commitment to justice.
During his Kenya visit, Healey emphasized his “determination to see a resolution” and promised the UK’s “full support” for the investigation. He plans to discuss accelerating progress in the case with Kenyan President William Ruto.
The British army last year launched an investigation into wider behavior of troops at BATUK following “alarming allegations of unacceptable behaviour.”
Wanjiru’s family statement noted the “profound and devastating impact” of her death and the “horrific circumstances” surrounding it. They expressed hope that the meeting “marks the beginning of the UK government and Ministry of Defence taking decisive action” to properly investigate and “bring closure to this matter.”
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