In a major development in the long-dormant Agnes Wanjiru murder case, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced that it has officially received a completed investigation file from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Agnes Wanjiru, 21 at the time, was allegedly murdered by a British soldier in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2012. Her body was discovered in a septic tank two months after she went missing near a British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) base.
DPP Forms Senior Team to Review Case File
In a statement released on Monday, April 7, DPP Renson Ingonga confirmed the file’s receipt and announced the formation of a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive legal review.
“The DPP has constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of the file,” the ODPP stated. “Any decision regarding charges will be made in strict adherence to the Constitution, the Decision to Charge (DTC) Guidelines 2019, and applicable laws.”
The DPP emphasized the office’s commitment to ensuring justice for Wanjiru’s family and upholding the rule of law despite the prolonged timeline of the case.
Family’s Long Struggle for Justice
The family of Agnes Wanjiru has endured over a decade of emotional pain and legal frustration, with little progress in the case despite widespread public and international concern.
“It was not only the shock of losing Agnes at such a young age but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found,” the family said in a statement. “The trauma and struggle we’ve faced in seeking justice has taken a heavy toll on us all.”
UK Defence Secretary Meets Wanjiru Family
The renewed momentum comes on the heels of a high-level meeting between the Wanjiru family and the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, during his visit to Kenya. Healey expressed solidarity and support, stating:
“In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice. We will continue to offer our full support to the Kenyan authorities so the family can secure the justice they deserve.”
Healey further indicated that he would escalate the matter to President William Ruto.
British Army to Probe Conduct in Kenya
In a related development, the British Army announced plans in 2024 to investigate the conduct of BATUK personnel following damning revelations in a documentary. The film exposed alleged abuses by British soldiers against local women, including minors as young as 13.
This renewed scrutiny, both from Kenya and the UK, signals a potential turning point in the pursuit of justice for Agnes Wanjiru.
