Defence Secretary Healey meets Agnes Wanjiru’s niece, reaffirms UK commitment to justice in murder case
The meeting comes weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges against a former British soldier linked to the killing in 2012.
The UK has vowed to support Kenya’s pursuit of justice for the late Agnes Wanjiru, following a meeting between Defence Secretary John Healey and Wanjiru’s niece, Esther Njoki, in London on Tuesday.
The meeting comes weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges against a former British soldier linked to the killing in 2012.
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The meeting, held in London, marks the second time a UK government minister has engaged directly with Wanjiru’s family since her death. It follows the April 2025 visit by Healey to Kenya, during which he became the first UK minister to meet the family of Wanjiru, whose body was found in a septic tank at a hotel near the British Army Training Unit (BATUK) in Nanyuki.
In a statement issued by the British High Commission in Nairobi, Healey reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assisting Kenya in bringing the matter to a conclusion.
“Six months since our first meeting in Kenya, I was pleased to welcome the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki, to London today, to reiterate our Government’s steadfast support for her family’s long and painful fight for justice,” Healey said.
“I want to pay tribute to Esther, who is an extraordinary spokesperson for her family and for women who have suffered violence. We reflected on the significant progress made in recent months, with the case file being handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions in April and a charging decision being made last month. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to support the Kenyan investigation, secure a resolution to this case and finally bring peace to Esther and her grieving family.”
Njoki described the toll her family has endured and expressed cautious optimism at the recent developments.
“The loss of my beloved aunt, Agnes Wanjiru, has left a permanent scar on my family. It wasn’t just the pain of losing her, it was the years of silence, frustration and trauma we’ve endured trying to get justice since,” she said.
“Since my family last met with the Secretary of State, there has been a major development with a former British soldier having been charged with my aunt’s murder. This has given us a renewed sense of hope, but we are still far from achieving justice for Agnes. That’s why this meeting with the Secretary of State is crucial.”
She urged the Defence Secretary and the Government to do everything in their power to ensure the man arrested is extradited to Kenya and faces trial without further delay.
The case has long been a source of tension between Nairobi and London. Witness accounts and internal army reports linked the soldier to Wanjiru’s death, which has prompted public pressure in both countries for accountability.
The British High Commission confirmed that the UK government will continue working closely with Kenyan authorities to ensure a fair and transparent resolution.
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