Kenyan criminal investigators announced on Monday that they have completed their investigation into the 2012 death of Agnes Wanjiru, a young mother last seen with British soldiers stationed in the country for training.
The body of 21-year-old Wanjiru was discovered weeks later in a septic tank in Nanyuki, located north of Mt. Kenya. Witnesses had reported seeing her leaving a bar with British soldiers prior to her disappearance. Her family had expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, as no charges had been filed until now.
The file has been handed over to the office of the public prosecutor, which has formed a team of senior prosecutors to review the case. British Defense Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru’s family and expressed his support for their pursuit of justice. He pledged that the UK government would continue to assist Kenyan authorities and emphasized the need for swift progress.
In a statement on X, Healey stated, “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.” He also mentioned that he would meet President William Ruto of Kenya to discuss accelerating the case.
Wanjiru’s daughter, now 13 years old, has been raised by her grandmother and aunt after being just five months old when her mother disappeared.
The British government maintains a permanent presence of around 200 military personnel in Kenya, investing over 1.1 billion Kenyan shillings ($9.6 million) annually in training Kenyan soldiers. There have been ongoing concerns among Kenyans regarding the treatment of local communities and the environment by British forces during their training activities in the region.