UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, met with the family of the late Agnes Wanjiru today to express his condolences and offer support in their ongoing fight for justice.
This marks the first time a UK government minister has met with the Wanjiru family since her tragic death in 2012 in Nanyuki, Kenya.
Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman, was killed under mysterious circumstances, with her body discovered in a septic tank, leading to an investigation that has remained unresolved for over a decade.
In a statement following the meeting, Healey described the encounter as “deeply humbling,” acknowledging the family’s strength and resilience over the years as they have continued to seek justice.
“Since her death 13 years ago, the family has shown incredible strength in their long fight for justice,” Healey said.
“I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to this unresolved case.”
The Defence Secretary emphasized the UK government’s commitment to supporting Kenyan authorities in their investigation, citing the visits of Kenyan investigators to the UK to interview witnesses, as well as support from the Provost Marshal (Serious Crime) in Kenya.
Healey also announced that he would raise the case with Kenyan President William Ruto in a meeting later today, stressing the need to accelerate progress in the investigation.
The family of Agnes Wanjiru, in their statement after the meeting, expressed their deep frustration over the lack of progress.
“The death of our beloved Agnes has had a profound and devastating impact on our family,” they said.
“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 the trauma we have endured in seeking justice.”
They also criticized the slow pace of the investigation, noting that it has been almost six years since a Kenyan inquest found that Wanjiru had been murdered by British soldiers.
“We have waited for too many years and been offered too many empty promises,” the family said.
They expressed hope that their meeting with the Defence Secretary would mark a turning point in the case, calling for decisive action from both the UK and Kenyan governments to ensure justice for Agnes and prevent such incidents in the future.
The Wanjiru family has called for thorough investigations in both Kenya and the UK to ensure accountability and closure in the case.
