Kenyan Family Seeks Justice in the UK Over Agnes Wanjiru’s Murder

Niece of the murdered woman travels to the UK to meet top officials, demanding extradition of the former British soldier accused of the 2012 killing.

More than a decade after the brutal killing of Agnes Wanjiru in central Kenya, her family continues to fight for accountability. This week, her niece, Esther Njoki, is embarking on a critical mission to the United Kingdom to meet with the defence secretary and other MPs to push for the extradition of the former British soldier accused of her aunt’s murder.

A Kenyan High Court issued an arrest warrant last month for the British national, reigniting calls for justice in a case that has remained unresolved since 2012.

The Night That Changed Everything

Agnes Wanjiru, 21, was found dead in a septic tank at a hotel in Nanyuki, a town located near a British army training camp. On the night of her death, she had been socializing at a local bar where British soldiers were present. She left behind a five-month-old baby, and her death sent shockwaves across the country, sparking allegations of cover-ups and negligence by both British and Kenyan authorities.

“We’ve Been Denied Justice for 13 Years”

Esther Njoki, a 21-year-old communications student, said her family has endured years of pain and disappointment. “The UK has been too slow in acting. Our whole family has experienced years of trauma, worsened by the continued failure to act by the authorities  both Kenyan and British,” she told BBC News before her UK visit.

Ms. Njoki believes her aunt’s case was ignored for years because she was a “poor Kenyan woman.” However, her family and Kenyan rights groups have consistently pushed to keep the case in the public eye.

Breakthroughs After Years of Pressure

An inquest into the murder was finally opened in 2018, six years after Wanjiru’s death. In 2019, the inquest concluded that she had been unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. She had suffered fatal stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

In 2021, an investigation by The Sunday Times reported that a British soldier had confessed to the killing. The suspect, who later left the army, is believed to still be living in the UK. This revelation intensified calls for the UK to cooperate with Kenya on extradition.

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British Army Conduct Under Scrutiny

The incident also exposed troubling patterns of misconduct by foreign troops stationed in Kenya. In 2024, the British army launched an internal review of its activities in Nanyuki, identifying 35 suspected cases of sexual exploitation and abuse involving local women. Nine of these occurred after such conduct had already been officially banned in 2022.

During her visit, Ms. Njoki plans to meet John Healey, the UK’s defence secretary, to demand clearer protections for vulnerable women living near international army bases.

Diplomatic Engagements and Commitments

Earlier this year, Healey met Ms. Njoki in Kenya, assuring her that the UK government would “continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve.” But for the Wanjiru family, promises alone are not enough. They want concrete action: the extradition and trial of the suspect.

The Legal Path to Extradition

According to extradition expert Ben Keith, the UK has a long-standing but rarely used extradition treaty with Kenya. He explained that while extradition in this case is legally feasible, the process could be “lengthy and complex.”

The request must be certified by the home secretary, then assessed by a judge to ensure there’s sufficient evidence and that the suspect will receive a fair trial. Even after these steps, the home secretary must give final approval, and the decision can be appealed in the High Court.

Precedents and the Road Ahead

The UK has previously extradited Kenyan nationals such as Gilbert Deya in 2017 and Yagnesh Devani in 2024. These cases show extradition is possible, though often time-consuming.

A spokesperson from the UK Ministry of Defence reaffirmed their support, saying: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice.”

A Long-Awaited Reckoning

For Ms. Njoki and her family, this UK visit is about more than meetings and political statements. It represents 13 years of pain, perseverance, and the unwavering demand for justice. Their hope is that the UK government will act swiftly so Agnes Wanjiru’s family can finally find closure.

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