A Kenyan court has recently issued an arrest warrant for a British national, regarding the murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother who was allegedly killed over a decade ago. If extradited, this case would mark the first instance where a serving or former British soldier faces trial abroad for the murder of a civilian.
Agnes went missing on March 31, 2012, after a night out with friends at local bars in Nanyuki, Kenya. On that evening, she and a friend attempted to enjoy time away from their responsibilities as new mothers. After visiting a bar known for its presence of expatriates, Agnes was last seen leaving with a white man.
The search for her began when Agnes did not return home the following morning. After days of searching, her body was discovered in a septic tank, bearing signs of violence. An inquest conducted in 2019 concluded that Agnes was murdered by one or two British soldiers. Reports suggest that her death was known among British soldiers stationed in Nanyuki, but no legal action was taken against the alleged perpetrators.
Momentum around the case has resurfaced in recent years, especially with reports indicating that some soldiers at the Nanyuki base have continued to engage in illicit activities, including transactional sex. The UK Defence Secretary recently met with Agnes’s family to express condolences and assure them of support in their pursuit of justice.
As of September 16, 2023, the Kenyan legal system is taking steps toward potential extradition. Advocates for Agnes’s family have expressed that while this warrant is a significant step forward, the complexities of the extradition process could delay justice further. Furthermore, efforts are underway to raise funds to support Agnes’s daughter, who is now a teenager.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3yn033xewo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss