Agnes Wanjiru: Director of Public Prosecutions reopens gruesome murder case

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has officially reopened the murder case of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru in Nanyuki, vowing to seek justice for her family.

Wanjiru has been deceased for 13 years.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 7, 2025, the ODPP confirmed it had received the investigation file from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and is currently examining it to determine the appropriate legal course of action.

The office also revealed that a team of senior prosecutors has been appointed to thoroughly review the file and provide recommendations on the way forward.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) wishes to inform the general public that, following the conclusion of investigations into the tragic death of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has submitted the police inquiry file for review and legal advice,” the statement by the ODPP read in part.

The ODPP recognized the unfortunate delay in taking action and assured the public that all decisions will align with the Constitution and Kenya’s 2019 Decision to Charge Guidelines.

It emphasized that securing justice for Agnes Wanjiru and her family remains a top priority.

“Consequently, the DPP has constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of the file. The DPP acknowledges the significant time that has elapsed in this matter and remains fully committed to ensuring justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru," the statement read further.

"The public will be informed of any developments as the case progresses."

The case was reopened following a visit by UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, who met with Wanjiru’s family.

He travelled to Kenya to offer his condolences personally and to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting the investigation.

According to a statement released by the UK government earlier today, Healey was also set to meet President William Ruto to further discuss the case and advocate for swifter progress.

Healey commended the family for their resilience throughout the long wait for justice, describing their determination as truly inspiring.

He assured them of the UK government's full support in pursuing a resolution to the case.

This includes ongoing cooperation with Kenyan investigators, facilitating witness interviews in the UK, and continued visits by British military crime officials.

“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 said.

The family appreciated Healey’s visit but expressed skepticism, noting they have heard many unfulfilled promises over the years.

They are now urging both the Kenyan and British governments to back their words with tangible actions and ensure the case is resolved with justice served.

Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, was last seen in March 2012, leaving a bar with British soldiers attached to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).

Nearly three months later, her decomposing body was found dumped in a septic tank behind a hotel.

The body bore stab wounds and was missing some parts, making it one of the most gruesome murder cases involving foreign soldiers on Kenyan soil.

In 2019, a Kenyan inquest concluded that Agnes had been murdered by British soldiers and called for further investigation.

However, no charges have been filed to date.

The UK's Sunday Times reported in 2021 that a British soldier, identified only as “Soldier Y,” had confessed the murder to fellow servicemen, but the confession was never officially pursued.