Thirteen years after the tragic death of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki, her family has met with a senior official from the British government, marking a significant step in their long quest for justice. UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru’s family in Nairobi, expressing condolences and pledging support to ensure accountability for her death, according to a statement from the British High Commission in Nairobi.

"This was the first time a UK government minister has met with the family," the statement noted, underscoring the importance of the meeting. Healey conveyed the UK’s commitment to cooperating with Kenyan authorities and providing continued support to achieve justice for Wanjiru.

"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. I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case,” Healey stated, acknowledging the family's enduring struggle.

Healey emphasized that the UK would continue to assist Kenyan investigators, referencing previous collaborative efforts, including visits by Kenyan investigators to the UK and the British Provost Marshal to Kenya. He also mentioned his intention to discuss the case with President William Ruto to expedite progress.

Agnes Wanjiru's death in 2012 remains a haunting and unresolved case involving foreign military personnel in Kenya. Wanjiru, 21, was last seen at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki with British soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Her body was discovered weeks later in a septic tank behind the hotel, naked. A post-mortem examination revealed blunt force trauma, but the advanced decomposition made it difficult to determine if she had been sexually assaulted.

A 2019 inquest in Kenya concluded that Wanjiru had been unlawfully killed by British soldiers, but no arrests have been made. The family expressed their appreciation for the engagement with the UK Defence Secretary but voiced their frustration with the slow pace of justice.

"The death of our beloved Wanjiru has had a profound and devastating impact on our family. It was not only the shock of losing Wanjiru at such a young age but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found, and all the trauma and struggle our family has been put through,” the family stated, highlighting the lasting pain and suffering they have endured.

Present at the meeting were Wanjiru’s relatives, including Rose Wanyua, Fracia Ngina, Lydia Wanjiku, Esther Njoki, and two minors, along with British High Commissioner Neil Wigan.

In a related development, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced a renewed legal review of the case. A team of prosecutors has been appointed to examine the findings and provide legal advice.

"The DPP acknowledges the significant time that has elapsed in this matter and remains fully committed to ensuring justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiru,” the statement read, signaling a renewed effort to bring closure to the case.