UK Government Refute Claims of Concealing Probe Details of Kenyan Woman's Murder

The UK government has refuted claims of concealing the inquiries surrounding the alleged killing of a woman by British soldiers in Kenya a decade ago.

Colonel Andrew Wilde, the Commander of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), has responded to a petition raised by the family of the late Agnes Wanjiru. In his response, he expresses that it would not be appropriate to accuse the UK government of concealing the identity of Wanjiru's murderer. Wilde further explains in a sworn statement that the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Serious Crime Unit (formerly known as the Royal Military Police) have been actively collaborating with the National Police Service (NPS) in their ongoing investigation into Wanjiru's tragic demise. He stresses the importance of allowing the NPS to lead the investigation and complete their work before considering any further legal actions.

The need for the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to make the investigation report and pertinent documents available for the prosecution of the perpetrator was highlighted when Wanjiru's family filed a petition with the High Court in October. The emphasis is being placed on citizens' right to receive vital information held by the government or non-governmental agencies that are necessary for their protection or to enable them to practice their rights. The bereaved family of Wanjiru has repeatedly contacted the DCI and DPP to secure updates on the ongoing murder investigation and the prosecution of suspects. Despite their tireless efforts, these governing entities have yet to honour the family’s requests and grant them the desired information.

Lawyer Mbiyu Kamau who is representing Rose Wanyua, the administrator of Wanjiru's Estate, claims that the DCI's refusal to provide necessary documents is impeding their quest for justice on behalf of Wanjiru. The family's primary objective is to obtain the Investigation Diary, Witness Statements, Post Mortem Report, and Photographs or sketches of the crime scene, which they believe are crucial for their case. The family has stated that they want to be granted the ability to reach the exhibits, get a hold of the forensic inquiry document on possible offenders or suspects and collect data about their names, ranking orders, pictures, fingerprints, as well as DNA profiles. BATUK has requested a report detailing the investigative measures taken in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, such as Interpol, including any international arrest warrants that may have been issued.

BATUK contends that there is no legitimate justification for them to receive the aforementioned documents and fingerprints pertaining to soldiers who are presently under investigation. The remains of Wanjiru, who went missing on March 31, 2012, while in the presence of British soldiers, were discovered three months later in a sewer at Lions Court Hotel. Following a span of twenty-two months, the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended an inquiry, which determined that Wanjiru had been murdered. On November 7, 2021, the Sunday Times published an exposé disclosing the identity of the culprit. Due to the unavailability of Justice Lawrence Mugambi, the case has been postponed until May 21 of the following year.