More than a decade after Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, was killed in Kenya, allegedly by a British soldier, a Kenyan court has issued an arrest warrant for a UK national. If there is an extradition, it would be the first time a serving or former British soldier faces trial for the murder of a civilian—a move her friends would welcome.
On the night she went missing on March 31, 2012, Agnes had pleaded with her childhood friends to join her for a night out. Both she and one friend were new mothers, eager to unwind. Their outing commenced in a local bar, where they encountered many British soldiers stationed nearby.
Despite their discomfort with the presence of these men, they engaged in social activities that evening, mingling and dancing. However, alarm set in the following morning when Agnes did not return home. Days later, her body was discovered, leading to an investigation that only gained momentum years later when the case was connected to alleged military misconduct.
Recent reports confirmed that a Kenyan judge concluded an inquest declaring Agnes had been murdered by British soldiers. The slow march toward accountability through Kenyan courts lays bare the broader issues of exploitation faced by vulnerable women in countries with foreign military presences.
On September 16, a Kenyan High Court issued an arrest warrant, a move that could set a precedent for accountability regarding foreign military personnel. It is highly welcome and a positive step towards justice, said Kelvin Kubai, a lawyer involved in the case.
Meanwhile, Agnes's family and friends are advocating for justice and financial support for Agnes's daughter as they navigate the complexities of this case. The overarching sentiment remains clear: the British Army cannot keep ignoring the murder of Agnes Wanjiru.
