British High Commissioner Reaffirms Cooperation in Agnes Wanjiru Murder Investigation

The British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan has reiterated the UK's commitment to cooperate fully with the Kenyan authorities in their investigation of the high-profile case of Agnes Wanjiru's death.

During a meeting with Wanjiru's family members on Thursday, the High Commissioner took the opportunity to offer his condolences and listen to their concerns. The tragic incident dates back to 2012 when the 21-year-old Wanjiru's body was discovered in a septic tank at the Lions Court Hotel on the outskirts of Nanyuki, two months after her disappearance. She had last been seen in the company of British soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Despite an inquest ruling that Wanjiru was "unlawfully killed" and a judge concluding that British soldiers were responsible for her murder, no charges have been brought against any individual to date. The case sparked outrage and intensified calls for accountability when leaked WhatsApp messages from soldiers involved in the case surfaced in 2021, revealing insensitive memes mocking Wanjiru's death. Consequently, a wide-ranging inquiry into allegations of abuse by the British Army was launched in 2023, further fueling the demand for justice.

In November 2023, a court hearing into Wanjiru's death was initiated but subsequently adjourned until May 21, 2024, drawing criticism from her family who have long sought closure. However, the court has recently directed that the hearing will proceed on July 10. During his interview with Capital FM, High Commissioner Wigan acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Agnes's death was an absolute tragedy... We have promised that we will cooperate fully with the investigating team."

He further emphasized the measures being implemented to uphold strict disciplinary codes within the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), which has maintained a permanent base near Nanyuki since 1963.